A PUBLIC meeting will take place in Basingstoke this month on the future of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller met with chief officer of the fire service, Dave Curry, last Friday to discuss the future of the service in Basingstoke and across Hampshire.

Following a comprehensive review of the service, proposals have been drawn up aiming to deliver a service fit for the demands of the future.

The risk review sees 215 fire fighting posts lost over the next four years as Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service looks to save £12.2million from its budget.

In Basingstoke, the number of full-time firefighters would be reduced from 33 to 25, covering both day and night either by immediate shift or on-call.

The third of its traditional fire engines will be replaced by an intermediate vehicle, while the station will gain a rapid response vehicle.

The savings from the plan just for Basingstoke could total £469,052.

Fire stations such as Hartley Wintney, Odiham, Overton, Tadley and Whitchurch will see the total number of personnel drop by two, from 12 to 10, while Kingsclere will see a reduction of four, from 12 to eight.

The public have been able to have their say on how they would like their nearest station to be operated since September 14. The consultation ends on December 4.

And a public meeting will be held between 6.30pm and 9pm on October 19 at Carnival Hall, in Council Road, Basingstoke to discuss the proposals.

Chief officer Dave Curry said: “We want to provide a smarter, more relevant and more efficient service to the residents of Hampshire whilst addressing financial challenges. Our ambition continues to be the best fire and rescue service in the country and to make life safer for everyone in Hampshire.”

Maria Miller added: “The plans propose a number of new and innovative ideas which have the potential to develop the future of the Fire and Rescue service in a really positive way.

“It is important that Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service adapts effectively for the needs of the future, for the safety of all of us and our families. I encourage Basingstoke residents to get involved with this public consultation.”