THE future of Bidford fire station appeared to be more secure this week after fears that it faced imminent closure as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

The alarm was raised several weeks ago when it was revealed that the fire service had been instructed to trim its budget by £500,000 for the next three years.

Within days, it was feared that this year's targets would be met by the closure of Bidford and Studley stations swept through the area. Local residents in Bidford staged a spontaneous demonstration outside the Bramley Way building.

But after a statement by Warwickshire's chief fire officer William Brown in relation to Studley fire station, fears began to ease.

He said: "Studley fire station is strategically important to us and there are no plans to close or move it."

Bidford parish clerk Elisabeth Uggerloese who received a letter from Warwickshire's cabinet member Richard Hobbs told the Journal: "We have received a reply from the fire service that indicates that the closure of Bidford station has not been discussed at any meeting."

Parish councillors will discuss Mr Hobb's reply at a meeting on Monday, June 26 at 7.30pm at Bidford Primary School.

Mr Brown had previously said: "As a consequence of decisions made within the budget set, it's necessary for Warwickshire fire and rescue service to review the level of resources provided throughout the county.

"In order to do this the service is under taking a review or risk with the county. The outcome of which will be in a report to Warwickshire County Council members setting out the possible options of change."

Mr Brown was unable to confirm this week when a meeting would take place to discuss details of how the savings could be achieved.

County and District councillor Peter Barnes who campaigned to maintain the fire service in the village said: "If our pressure on the portfolio holder worked then this is wonderful news - good news so far."