New Stockport Central Community Fire Station Opens

Four years ago, I stood alongside firefighters and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) to oppose plans that threatened the future of the fire station at King Street West, a vital asset here in Stockport.

I am delighted that the new Stockport Central Community Fire Station has now opened its doors. It is a fantastic new, modern facility that will serve our community and support our firefighters for many years to come.

When proposals were first put forward to close the King Street West site and merge its service with Whitehill, I was clear that this was the wrong decision for Stockport. With our town centre growing, new homes being built and increasing numbers of people living and working locally, we needed to protect our local fire cover, not reduce it.

I campaigned alongside the FBU to keep the station open, raising my concerns directly with Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire and pushing for the site to be retained and properly supported.

In October 2022, during a Westminster Hall debate on Fire and Rescue Services, I highlighted the loss of more than 600 full-time firefighter roles in Greater Manchester since 2010 and warned of the impact that years of cuts had had on frontline services. I also congratulated Kate Green on her appointment as Greater Manchester’s new Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime and Fire while making clear that I would continue to challenge decisions that undermined fire cover and firefighter numbers. You can read that speech here - https://tinyurl.com/498jb3sk

As part of that campaign, I organised a visit to King Street West Fire Station in July 2023 with Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor Kate Green, so that she could meet firefighters and hear their views directly about the importance of maintaining fire cover in Stockport.

I also raised the issue of fire service funding directly in the House of Commons. In September 2022, I questioned the Leader of the House about the pressures facing fire and rescue services and the need for proper investment to ensure communities remain protected. You can see my question and the answer here - https://tinyurl.com/42a445vb

That campaign helped secure the station’s future. The old building has now been replaced with a brand-new facility, providing firefighters with modern facilities and creating a station fit for the future.

I was proud to have campaigned for this investment and to have continued working with the FBU throughout the process. As Vice Chair of the Fire Brigades Union Parliamentary Group, I will always stand up for firefighters and for the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

I was also honoured to visit the new station recently with my friend Dave Pike (Brigade Secretary, Greater Manchester Fire Brigades Union) to see the completed facility. Watch our video here - https://fb.watch/v/4VgD1y398/

It is great to see this project come full circle. What started with a campaign to prevent the closure of our fire station has resulted in a major investment in a new one.

This is about more than a new building. It is about making sure Stockport has a properly equipped and modern fire station, with the facilities our firefighters deserve and the capacity to serve a growing community.

I want to thank the firefighters and FBU representatives who fought so hard to protect this station, as well as everyone involved in delivering this fantastic new facility.

Four years on from standing with firefighters to protect the future of this station, I am proud to see Stockport Central Community Fire Station open and ready to serve Stockport for years to come.

Finally, I would like to thank all serving and retired firefighters for their dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe. Their service, often in the most challenging circumstances, is deeply appreciated.

As your Member of Parliament, I remain committed to supporting our firefighters and all emergency service workers. I will continue to stand up for the resources, investment and recognition they need to do their jobs effectively and keep our communities safe.