WILTSHIRE councillors put politics aside yesterday to deliver a powerful show of support for firefighters and rural communities, overwhelmingly backing a motion opposing plans to close four fire stations.

In a rare display of unity, Wiltshire Council voted 87 in favour, none against and three abstentions to oppose the proposed closures of Bradford-on-Avon, Mere, Ramsbury and Wilton fire stations.

The motion, brought to full council by Cllr Pauline Church for Wilton and Cllr George Jeans for Mere, called on council leader Cllr Ian Thorn to write to government ministers and Wiltshire MPs to press for a review of funding for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS).

It also asked him to formally oppose the proposed station closures.

The debate was marked by strong cross-party backing, emotional speeches and repeated praise for Wiltshire’s firefighters.

Cllr Thorn made clear from the outset that there was broad agreement across the chamber.

Council leader Cllr Ian Thorn.

“It’s another motion where we’d be shocked if we didn’t all agree,” he said.

Backing the motion, he warned that response times were crucial when lives were at risk.

He said timing was critical, adding “every second and every minute matters”.

“I understand the emotional response from residents in the county most directly affected but of course there are knock-on affected for communities and I understand the practical challenge too in terms of how this can be made to work,” he went on.

“I’m very, very happy to support the motion. I’m very happy to undertake some more letter writing as required.”

Opening the debate, Cllr Church asked: “How can this be in the public interest?”

Wilton’s Cllr Pauline Church proposing the motion.

Cllr George Jeans told members he had delivered 11,500 leaflets to residents and said opposition to the proposals had been immense.

Cllr George Jeans for Mere has also been campaigning.

“If this were to go ahead, it has no public backing,” he said.

Reform UK leader Cllr Ed Rimmer described the decision as a “no-brainer”, adding the council needed to “send a message that this is not on”.

Several councillors shared personal stories about the fire service helping them, their families or residents during emergencies.

Cllr Zoe Clewer said: “We need our firefighters”, while Cllr Tamara Reay added: “It’s vital that we protect our service.”

A public consultation by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service on the plans closed on Friday and a final decision on the closures is expected on June 30.