Public and union oppose closure of Marionville fire station by 10 to 1

Figures from the public consultation on plans to close Edinburgh's Marionville fire station show opponents outnumbered those supporting the move by 10 to one.

- by Ian Swanson

Marionville fire station is being proposed for closure by the SFRS as part of a Scotland-wide review, with its fire engine transferred to Newcraighall

Fire chiefs want to shut Marionville and transfer its fire engine to Newcraighall as part of a Scotland-wide review of fire services. The plans also include closing Musselburgh fire station and sending its appliance to a relocated Tranent station.

But the proposal to close Marionville, in particular, has been met with fierce opposition from the local community and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

They argue distance and congestion mean it will take longer for fire engines to reach the scene of a fire in the area, increasing the risk to public safety.