CONCERNS are growing in Mere amid fears that the town’s fire station could be closed, prompting strong opposition from local representatives and residents who say the service is vital to public safety.

Mere Fire Station, which serves the town and surrounding rural areas, has been praised for its rapid response times and its role in recent emergencies

Wiltshire Council member for Mere, Cllr George Jeans, has spoken out in support of keeping the station open, highlighting incidents where firefighters arrived within minutes and potentially prevented serious outcomes.

He pointed to a recent fire at Mere Post Office as an example of the station’s importance, saying: “The Mere Fire and Rescue Station saved Mere Post Office from fire, they attend almost instantly, 15 minutes longer the Post Office probably would have been well alight.”

Cllr Jeans also described a personal experience involving his family. “They attended my now deceased father-in-law at the Walnut, about 15 minutes before the paramedic arrived,” he said, underlining the station’s role not only in fire response but also in medical emergencies.

Cllr George Jeans

A meeting to discuss the future of the station, along with Wilton and six others in Wiltshire and Dorset, is taking place on February 10 at City Hall in Salisbury and is expected to draw strong attendance from those keen to see the service preserved.

Cllr Jeans said: “I 100% support the retention of the station. I hope I can attend on February 10 to show support for the retention of Mere Fire and Rescue Station.”

With emotions running high, the meeting is likely to be a key moment for the Mere community to voice its views and seek clarity over the future of its fire and rescue provision.