Fire stations across the Isle of Wight are to set to recevie improvements to the tune of £1.7m. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority (HIWFRA) approved the spending at a meeting last week.

The money follows on from a £1.1m investment in its Isle of Wight estate in 2021 (Phase one improvements) which saw the Island’s 10 stations fitted out with new and improved vehicle exhaust extraction kits and upgraded fire alarm systems.

Following the Fire Authority’s decision to invest further, all 10 sites will now receive electrical infrastructure updates and surveys to bring the stations in line with those in Hampshire.

Other work will include:

• Roof replacements at Newport, Cowes, Bembridge, Ventnor and Freshwater
• Kitchen upgrades at Ryde, Newport, Bembridge, Sandown, Shanklin and Freshwater, to make life better for our colleagues and attract partner agencies to these locations
• The appliance bay door at Shanklin will be upgraded
• A four-bed dormitory and bathroom will be created at Bembridge, providing accommodation for colleagues travelling to the Island, at no cost to HIWFRS

Rhydian Vaughan, Councillor and chairman of HIWFRA, said: “As we approach the first anniversary of the formation of the Combined Fire Authority, it is pleasing to see the progress that has already been made to improve fire stations across the Isle of Wight. The investment of a further £1.7m will now allow more essential maintenance work to be carried out, making life better for firefighters, support staff and our communities.

He added that council charges one of the lowest taxes in England, yet continues to be committed to providing good value for money to its residents. “Proactively investing in our estate is important because it ensures that our buildings are fit for purpose and can meet the needs of a modern fire and rescue service,” Vaughan added.