TPPC response to Fire Station Closure Consultation

At its meeting held, Wednesday 11 March 2026, the parish council adopted the following positions regarding the proposed closure of fire stations in Dorset, particularly Maiden Newton.

1. Toller Porcorum Parish Council asks Edward Morello MP and Leader of Dorset Council to write to the appropriate government minister to request the funding formula for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service be reviewed to take into account the rurality of large areas of Dorset and Wiltshire.
2. Toller Porcorum Parish Council objects to the proposed closure of Maiden Newton and other fire stations in Dorset unless assurances are provided that response times (as of the date of this meeting, 11 March 2026) to Toller Porcorum and the surrounding areas can be maintained at current levels or improved upon as part of any proposal to close fire stations and reduce the resources allocated to rural areas.

Consultation

The council also agreed its response to the consultation, which can be viewed on the Meetings 2025-26 page as part of the documents for the March meeting.

Everyone can respond to the consultation by visiting the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service website. Responses must be received by 15 May 2026. Responses will be used to write a report for the Fire Authority to consider before making a final decision 30 June 2026.

Petition

A petition against the proposed closure of Maiden Newton Fire Station has been organised by Maiden Newton Action Group. Copies of the petition for signatures can be found at the Post Office, Toller Porcorum and the Spar/Garage, Amber Hardware, Chalk & Cheese Pub, Corner Stores and No. 64. Newsagents in Maiden Newton.

Public Meetings

The Fire Authority is holding public meetings in Maiden Newton, to allow everyone to understand the data and impact of a closure and to provide their thoughts. Meetings will be held at Maiden Newton Village Hall, Station Road, Maiden Newton, DT2 0AE on the following dates:

• Tuesday 14 April: 10.30am – 12.30pm
• Thursday 16 April: 6pm – 8pm

An online meeting for Maiden Newton will be held on Teams:

• Wednesday 22 April: 6pm – 7pm - USE THIS LINK to attend