Fire service changes consultation extended
20/01/2026
The proposals include a reduction in the number of firefighters in Banbury
The time to complete a consultation on proposed changes to Oxfordshire’s Fire and Rescue Service has been extended.
It had been scheduled to close today but we now have until the end of the month to have our say. The decision is based on the level of interest shown so far and to give as wide a range of people and organisations the chance to make their submissions. To date over 900 responses have been received.
Proposed changes to the way the service is delivered follow a review of how, where and when wholetime and on-call firefighters operate. The reduction in the number of people coming forward to be on-call firefighters is amongst the challenges faced. The aim was to enable the service to better meet both day and nighttime demand across Oxfordshire.
To achieve this some stations would close with staff relocated. In Banbury the number of firefighters at Cope Road would be reduced by four.
Politicians and the Fire Brigades Union have criticised the plans and called for the consultation to be scrapped.
But the County Council say in Banbury the change would still leave 6 personnel on each of the four watches, with the requirement to provide a minimum crew of 4 in order for an appliance to be mobilised.
Rob MacDougall, Chief Fire Officer, said: “It’s important that we regularly review our resources, understand where incidents are most likely to happen and ensure we have the right level of emergency cover in those areas.
“We provide a fire and rescue service for the people of Oxfordshire, and I want them to play an active role in helping us plan and shape the future of the service by participating in our public consultation.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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