Proposals to reduce service at Offerton fire station have been scrapped, following a £3.5 million investment into Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS). 

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, along with chief fire officer Dave Russel, confirmed that crews will continue to be based on station 24/7 at Offerton fire station, in a Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) meeting today (29 September). 

The decision comes following a lengthy consultation period, in which GMFRS engaged with members of the public and staff. 

GMFRS said: "The consultation and engagement process found that there were concerns about the potential impacts of introducing day-crewing in Offerton and Sale despite it working well in other areas of Greater Manchester. 

"Having listened to these concerns, the decision was taken to not go ahead with these specific proposals."

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "I'm delighted that we've been able to announce some significant new investment in our fire and rescue service, and that Offerton fire station will continue to be crewed 24-7, with firefighters on station throughout the night, the day, and the whole of the weekend."

Cllr Will Sharp - a prominent campaigner against the service reduction - said: "I'm delighted by the announcement that Offerton Fire Station has been saved. 

"We've been working alongside the firefighters and residents for months to ensure that all concerns have been heard and Offerton won't be disadvantaged. 

"Stockport Labour has consistently opposed the proposals and regularly met with GMFRS and Kate Green to ensure that our voices were well and truly heard."

Cllrs David Meller and Christine Carrigan, leader and deputy leader of Stockport Labour Group add: "We're incredibly grateful that this has been a meaningful consultation and the opposition to this has been listened to. 

"From the start, we have been determined to demonstrate why this proposal was unsuitable, particularly with the potential impact on the east of the borough."

In addition to Labour politicians, Lib Dem councillor Lisa Smart similarly said: "Fantastic news coming out of the GMCA this morning. Thanks to your signatures, your consultation submissions, we have won the campaign to save night and weekend cover at Offerton fire station. Thank you all."

The firefighters at Offerton themselves said: "All of us at Offerton are unbelievably happy with this result. Nobody wanted this to happen. We fight so hard to protect the community we serve and will always do so."

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