EAST COWES FIRE STATION TO BE DEMOLISHED WITHIN WEEKS

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has given notice to the local authority that it intends to completely demolish East Cowes Fire Station in the coming weeks. The station on York Avenue has been condemned due to subsidence, as previously reported by Island Echo. The pumping appliance and special appliance based there have been moved to Newport and Ryde stations respectively. Last week it was confirmed by Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely that the Service intends to replace East Cowes Fire Station – although a timeframe for this is still unknown. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has now submitted a prior notification to the Isle of Wight Council detailing plans to demolish the station. It’s said that the building is beyond economical repair and needs to be demolished to protect the community from any potential risks. The site will now be hoarded with secure gates and security measures erected. Then, the building will be demolished in 3 phases: strip and remove; walls supporting structures and then the concrete base/hard standing. Work is due to begin the week commencing 8th July to be completed by 22nd July. Plans for a replacement station are still in the early stages, with a business case needing to be put to the Hampshire Fire Authority, but it is likely the station will be replaced with a modern-looking steel structure.