New Dewsbury fire station officially opened

Tim Hare cut the rope alongside WYFR’s chief fire officer Simon Pilling and chairwomanof the authority Coun Judith Hughes.

Mr Hare said: “I congratulate all those bringing this new facility to fruition and wish those working here much success, happiness and safety in their new state-of-the-art station.”

The new station in Carlton Road, which has merged Dewsbury and Batley’s staff, has been operational since August. The four rolling watches have so far been turned out to around 230 emergencies.

Staffed by 44 firefighters and four specialist officers, the new station will work across four shifts and will provide fire cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The four-bay fire station is a two storey building that provides all the necessary operational space for staff and vehicles.

A separate Young Firefighters building allows the station to continue its links with the community and develop team skills, confidence and awareness among young people across Kirklees, the authority said.

The station has state-of-the-art training facilities and incorporates a fully accessible multi-purpose room, which will be available for community.

The facility cost West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority almost £4m to develop.