PLANS for a new fire station in Crowthorne have been approved by the council.

Permission for the rebuild of the county's second tri-service station was granted by Bracknell Forest Council on Tuesday, July 10. The new station will offer a shared location for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), Thames Valley Police (TVP) and South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS).

In addition, a community room will be included in the build, providing a flexible, fully accessible meeting space for local residents and community groups to use.

Work is anticipated to begin around Easter 2019, with completion expected by summer 2020.

While the station is being rebuilt, the retained crew and fire engine will be turning out from an alternative location in close proximity to the High Street, ensuring that swift and effective responses are maintained.

Councillor Colin Dudley, Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “The three emergency services have a long history of close partnership working in Berkshire. The co-location of Fire, Ambulance and Police within the new Crowthorne Community Fire Station will ensure that there will be even more opportunities to use our collective skills and experience to best serve Crowthorne village.”

Councillor Angus Ross, Strategic Asset Lead who is leading the Crowthorne rebuild project for the Fire Authority, said: “We’re delighted that plans for Crowthorne have been approved. The new station will provide a community hub that all three emergency services will be responding from, which will further strengthen our partnership working. This efficient collaboration of blue light services in the village will further increase operational effectiveness for the local community and surrounding areas.”