A PUBLIC meeting about the future of Wilton Fire Station drew a packed crowd yesterday evening with firefighters saying there was “standing room only” as residents gathered to voice concerns over potential closures.

The meeting, held at Castle Meadow Pavilion, was part of a consultation by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority into proposed changes to fire station provision across the area, including shutting eight stations.

Crews from Wilton Fire Station had urged residents to attend in the run-up to the event, hoping for a strong turnout from the community.

Sharing an update after Monday’s session, the station posted: “It’s standing room only here tonight! Thank you to all the local residents that have come along this evening to the public meeting on the fire station closure consultation.”

Residents turned out to show their support.

A second public meeting will take place today (Tuesday, March 10) from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Castle Meadow Pavilion on Castle Lane.

The sessions are structured events rather than drop-in meetings, beginning with a presentation followed by an opportunity for residents to ask questions.

An online meeting is also planned for April 21 from 12pm to 1pm for those unable to attend in person.

The proposal to close eight stations has prompted an outcry from residents and community leaders, with John Glen MP requesting a meeting with the fire minister in the House of Commons last week to discuss the matter.

The eight locations subject to consultation are all on-call fire stations: four in Dorset (Charmouth, Cranborne, Hamworthy and Maiden Newton), and four in Wiltshire (Bradford on Avon, Mere, Ramsbury and Wilton).

The consultation is open until Friday, May 15.

Details including station-specific data, FAQs, a questionnaire and how to join the online meeting can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk