COPNOR FIRE STATION

1. Following its earlier decision not to close Copnor Fire Station, the Authority has further considered a report by the Chief Fire Officer on a number of alternative options, each with significant financial implications, for dealing with the major defects associated with the existing building. Also, the Chairman proposed at the same meeting a modified short to medium-term strategy on the matter and the Chief Fire Officer tabled a summary of the Authority's building consultants' survey of the Copnor Fire Station building; this included the estimated repair costs over the next 3 - 5 year period.

2. In the light of the above, the Authority has agreed a short to medium-term strategy which involves minimum repairs estimated to cost £135,000 to the Copnor Fire Station. This will include the removal of the existing scaffolding around the site and measures to make the building safe for continued occupation. In addition, the Authority has highlighted, as part of its continuing programme of Fire Cover Review, the importance of providing a second fire station at Basingstoke. Whilst supporting capital resources allocated include a contingency of £115,000, making a maximum of £250,000 over a period of 3-5 years, towards repairs to Copnor Fire Station, the Authority has made clear its capital priority is for providing the new Basingstoke Fire Station.

3. Due to the amounts involved in repair costs, the Authority has agreed to seek additional financial support for the scheme from the constituent authorities and to have further discussions with those concerned to establish the future requirements for fire stations in Portsmouth. This is to include a process of public consultation to be agreed by the
Authority and will include in particular further consideration being given to a replacement station at Cosham.

4. The Chief Fire Officer is to prepare a report to a future meeting of the Authority on progress with regard to this matter.

M.F. CARTWRIGHT

Chairman

4IR220702