Fire chief Chris Strickland told MP Steve Barclay it is not their “current intention” to close Manea fire station.

Mr Strickland was responding to comments made by Mr Barclay following our report that the fire authority had asked for business cases to be drawn up that included possible closure of the Manea station.

Mr Barclay said today: “I am pleased to confirm that the chief fire officer, Chris Strickland has written to me confirming that ‘we have no current intention to close Manea Fire Station.

“I understand from Mr Strickland that the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service have had ongoing difficulty with attracting new retained firefighters for the Manea station and this has led to problems in providing a crew for the appliance during weekdays.

“It is important that volunteers do come forward if we are to help ensure Manea retains its fire appliance and I urge people to give this consideration”

Mr Barclay added: “Manea Fire Station is an important local asset and I will continue to work with local firefighters and villagers to retain it.

“I am pleased that following the alarm raised by the Cambs Times, the chief fire officer has been able to give this reassurance.”

The fire authority is considering an ‘options appraisal’ that is also looking at possibly contracting Manea fire station for evening and weekly only cover and the removal of on-call second pumps at March fire station.

The comprehensive bundle of proposals has been outlined to fire authority members by deputy chief fire officer Neil Newberry.

He told the authority that “despite following up on numerous recommendations and making many changes to the on-call service, it continues its journey of terminal decline”.