Public to be consulted on the future of Leadhills Community Fire Station

The future of a fire station in South Lanarkshire is under review as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) prepares to launch a public consultation to gather views from the community.

The SFRS will consider options for Leadhills Community Fire Station based on robust data, delivering community safety, value for money and feedback from the public and stakeholders.

The building has not been operational since February 2015 with recruitment and retention of staff being problematic. Additionally, the station’s lease has now ended.

The consultation period will run from 10 July until 18 August, 2023.

Before then, a public drop-in meeting on Tuesday, 4 July will be held at Leadhills Hall from 2pm-8pm and is available to residents of the Leadhills, Wanlockhead and surrounding areas. SFRS will gather the views of the local community on a way forward for the station.

Area Commander Jim Quinn, is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Local Senior Officer for Lanarkshire. He said: “The station is under review due to a number of factors including best value, recruitment challenges and building suitability.

"We will be gathering suggestions around full reinstatement or closure of the station, but there is also an opportunity for the public to bring forward alternative considerations."

SFRS will continue to liaise with employees who are directly impacted by any decisions and representative bodies for the duration of this process.

Consultation submissions will be reviewed and a decision by the SFRS Board on the future of the station is expected in September.