Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s newest fire station was officially opened this week by Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Tony Smith.

The doors of Saughall Massie Community Fire Station – which became operational on 27th March – were opened to local councillors and dignitaries on Monday as part of the official opening ceremony.

It followed a lengthy process aimed at delivering the best possible response times to the communities of West Wirral, whilst ensuring the single-storey, two-bay fire station – built by Wates Construction – was sympathetic to the conservation area and neighbouring properties.

Designed to blend in the local landscape, features of the fire station include a green sedum roof, soft landscaping and bird and bat boxes to support biodiversity.

Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan said: “Most people will be aware of the lengthy process that we have undergone in the development of Saughall Massie Community Fire Station. We understand that the local community and councillors originally had concerns about the chosen location but we hope that now the station is fully operational, they can see that we have worked assiduously with Wates to ensure it fits seamlessly into its surroundings.

“Whilst we would always seek to avoid closing fire stations, the merging of West Kirby and Upton fire stations was the most viable operational option given the level of cuts we have had to manage over recent times. The location of Saughall Massie Community Fire Station means we are able to achieve the best possible response times to the communities of West Wirral, protecting the safety of the communities we serve has driven the decisions we have made.

“This development would not have been possible had it not been for Wates Construction, they have been exceptional and I look forward to working with them again on the development of our new St Helens Community Fire Station.”

Attendees of Monday’s event were welcomed by Chair of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority, Cllr Les Byrom, and Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan. They were then given a brief overview of the development process by Gavin Davis, Construction Director of Wates Construction.

Guests were then taken to the fire station’s rear yard where they were given a drill demonstration by firefighters from White Watch, including the use of the station’s collapsible training tower – the only one in the UK.

Chair of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority, Cllr Les Byrom, added: “It was fantastic to have Saughall Massie Community Fire Station officially opened by the Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Tony Smith. This fire station is state-of-the-art and is equipped with the facilities that our firefighters, and the community they serve, rightly deserve. The official opening has been the culmination of a lengthy consultation process and it is a pleasure to see the outcome.”

Paul Dodsworth, Managing Director of Wates Construction North, commented: “We have worked closely with our client to create a state-of-the-art facility that will enhance the high standards delivered by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service. I am extremely proud of the work delivered by the team on site, the quality of their work and their continued efforts to positively impact the local community.”

A community open day will be held in the near future.