IN January, the Fire Authority decided to relocate Topsham Fire Station. This move was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic and will now take place by December 2020.

The two fire engines based in Topsham will transfer to two new facilities at Middlemoor and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s Headquarters in Clyst St George. Most of the firefighters will transfer, ensuring local knowledge is retained.

Recent new recruits from the local area will also support the relocation.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Pete Bond said: “These changes are part of a larger change programme which will enable us to move our resources to the areas where they are most needed. We recognise that people living in and around Topsham may be concerned and we want to reassure them that they will continue to receive a response from fire crews in the unlikely event that they need one.”

Wherever possible, the Service wants to prevent incidents occurring.

Its prevention work remains unaffected by this change with home safety visits, for example, already provided by staff based at Service Headquarters.