WORK is underway to rebuild Basingstoke fire station after demolition work made way for the new £6million facility.

The 1960s building has served the service well, but annual upkeep costs can run into thousands of pounds and the current station lacks the facilities required by a modern fire service.

Hampshire Fire Authority approved a budget of £6m to build a new station on the same site, in West Ham Close, incorporating land at the front of the station to make it slightly larger.

Firefighters are currently stationed at an interim facility at the site, utilising the office block and breathing apparatus training chamber.

Work is expected to take 16 months.