Marking the start of a new era of Fire and Rescue provision in Gloucestershire, firefighters from Cheltenham Fire station have moved into their new temporary home, in preparation for a complete rebuild of the fire services facilities on the existing site.

The outdated Cheltenham Fire Station on Keynsham Road is being demolished to make way for a the first of four new Community Fire and Rescue Stations as part of £40m Government investment in the fire and rescue service in Gloucestershire.

Local contractor Kier Moss will be building the new facilities and has also completed the temporary building at Kingsditch Lane which will house all the fire engines and team from Cheltenham for a year while the new station is being built.

Work on the temporary station is now complete and includes new entrance and exit doors for fire engine movements, conversion of space to create a training room, fire kit storage, office space, drying room and rest areas and a new internal two-storey section to provide breathing apparatus, maintenance area, showers, fitness room and a kitchen.

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Kier Moss managing director Robin Butler visited the new temporary premises at Kingsditch Lane on moving day and discussed the future plans for all the new stations across Gloucestershire with the Cheltenham fire officers. Despite the sentimentality attached to the old building, the overwhelming feeling was one of positivity and excitement.

Chief fire officer Jon Hall said: “We are delighted that this project is now under way. Cheltenham marks the start of work on the county’s four new stations and life skills centre. When the project is complete, we will be able to get to more of those that need our help even faster and provide even more effective safety education.

“Every firefighter who has ever served at Cheltenham over the years will have very personal memories of it, and will, I am sure, feel a slight twinge as the lights are turned out and the bulldozers move in.

“That won’t diminish the excitement of having a brand new station to look forward to though!”

Robin added: “This major investment in new facilities for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue is excellent news for our many staff and suppliers in Gloucestershire; it will provide a welcome boost for local construction industry employment. I would like to thank the county for awarding this significant project to a local contractor.”

The temporary home will house the service until March 2012 when the rebuild is expected to be complete.

(GK)