Have your say on fire engine future

Public consultation on second appliance at Hamilton station

- JUDITH TONNER

The current temporary withdrawal of one of the appliances at Hamilton fire station could become permanent under service review proposals - with a public consultation exercise now set to take place later this summer.

Hamilton's second fire engine was withdrawn in September 2023 amid budget cuts, with the Bothwell Road station becoming one of 10 across Scotland where appliance cover was reduced as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) addressed an £11 million deficit.

Now two proposals are being recommended for consultation - either for the existing temporary arrangement of Hamilton having one 24/7 appliance to be made permanent, or for the second appliance to be reintroduced and crewed as dayshift from 8am to 6pm.

Hamilton has now had only one fire appliance based at the town's station for nearly two years. It remains staffed 24 hours per day, seven days a week, and fire service officials clarified: "There is no option to change Hamilton's appliance from 24/7 cover."

The potential proposals require approval from SFRS board members before going out to public consultation, anticipated to take place from late next month.

SFRS area commander Jim Quinn, the local senior officer for Lanarkshire, said: "We are currently in the midst of a service delivery review, which aims to ensure that our resources - our staff, stations and appliances - are matched to operational risk and demand across Scotland.