The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,
Declares that Hamworthy Fire Station provides essential emergency cover not only for Hamworthy, but also for Upton, Lytchett Minster, Turlin Moor and the wider Poole area; and further declares that Hamworthy Fire station must remain open to support the local community.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to work with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority to withdraw Hamworthy Fire Station from the closure consultation and to abandon any proposal to close it.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Neil Duncan-Jordan, Official Report, 22 April 2026; Vol. 784, c. 406 .]
[P003190]
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Samantha Dixon): The Government are aware of the consultation being conducted by the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority on the proposed closure of on-call fire stations, including Hamworthy fire station, and recognise the concern this has caused to the local community and the affected on-call firefighters and staff. The Government recognise the vital contribution that on-call staff make across Dorset and Wiltshire, and the country, to protect and provide cover to local communities.
Decisions about the number, location and crewing of fire stations are rightly matters for the elected members of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority and the chief fire officer. Those decisions must be based on local risk, and follow consultation with the workforce and the public.
This financial year, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority will have a core spending power of £79.5 million—an increase of 4.1% compared to 2025-26.
Officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will continue to engage with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to understand their financial pressures and explore options.