By Isle of Wight Observer
A public engagement meeting will be held this week to discuss the proposed closure and sale of Bembridge Fire Station — a move that has raised serious concerns among residents and community leaders.
The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10, at 10.30am in Bembridge Village Hall, and invites residents to have their say on the future of the station. Although it is no longer used for frontline firefighting, the building has become a vital community hub.
Significant investment has been made in the building in recent years, including upgrades to its roof, ventilation, and training facilities. Campaigners argue that selling the site now would not only waste public funds but also dismantle a centre that plays a key role in the Island’s resilience and well-being.
The station currently houses the Bembridge Parish Council community resilience group, a volunteer-led team recognised as a model of best practice. It provides emergency supplies, CPR and defibrillator training, and supports local events and Island-wide emergency planning. The drill yard and training tower are still available for use by the Fire and Rescue Service.
The building also serves as a base for Bembridge Community First Responders, offering rapid medical support in a village with a large elderly population. It also hosts a Community Food Bank and delivers lifesaving training to schools and the wider public.
Parish councillor Chris Adams said: “Bembridge Fire Station is no longer just a building — it’s a hub for safety, solidarity, and resilience. We urge the Fire Authority to consider transferring the building to the community so these vital services can continue.”
The proposals also include merging Freshwater and Yarmouth fire stations. A separate meeting to discuss this will be held the same day (Wednesday) from 3.30pm to 5pm.
Residents are encouraged to attend the engagement meetings to learn more and make sure their voices are heard.
You can respond to the proposals online at iw.observer/fire-consult.
