Crews move into brand new fire station at West Ashland

Firefighters from Great Holm and Bletchley successfully moved into West Ashland Fire Station, their brand new facility at the Blue-Light Hub in Milton Keynes, yesterday (Tuesday 30 June).

Each appliance, including a 32-metre turntable ladder, was moved on to the new site following a rigorous testing process of the communications and mobilising systems.

Chief Fire Officer Jason Thelwell QFSM and Area Commander Dave Norris, Head of Prevention, Response & Resilience, were present to welcome the crews to their new station.

The West Ashland crews, led by Station Commander Barrie Ackerlay, are now settling in and further developing their relationships with local partners and the communities they serve. Several emergency turnouts have already been made from the new station.

However, the work does not stop, with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s project team continuing to work with Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service and National Health Service Blood and Transplant to ensure an equally smooth transition for them later this year.

During a brief welcoming ceremony, Area Commander Norris said: “It is a unique privilege to be part of the opening of a new fire station, especially for those who have been involved in the design and preparation, and for the duty crew taking over.

“It is the culmination of the efforts of our colleagues whose vision and incredible hard work has resulted in the success we have had today.”

A formal opening ceremony for the site is being planned for spring 2021 once the decked car park has been built and our partner organisations have moved on site.

A broad range of visitors have been welcomed to the site over recent weeks, ranging from members of Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority, fire crews and blue-light colleagues to senior teams from partner organisations, including Milton Keynes University Hospital. All have said how much they are looking forward to working more closely with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service and local communities.