Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, has called on Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to retain Bembridge Fire Station rather than place it up for sale.
Mr Robertson wrote to the Fire and Rescue Service on 19th August, following consultation with local residents and the Bembridge Parish Council.
Community uses
Although the station currently has no crewed fire appliance due to recruitment challenges, it provides a site for the local Village Emergency and Resilience Group, to train volunteers, store equipment and respond to local emergencies such as flooding.
If the fire station cannot be returned to full operational status, Mr Robertson is making a strong case for it to remain under the ownership of Hampshire Fire and Rescue and made available for alternative community uses.
Robertson: If it is sold off, this prime village site will be lost forever
Mr Robertson said,
“While I recognise the operational difficulties in keeping the fire station running without active personnel, that should not mean the building is lost to the community. It would be a great shame for the premises to be disposed of rather than repurposed for local use.
“If it is sold off, this prime village site will be lost forever and may end up being used for housing. With planning permission already given for nearly 200 more homes in Bembridge that is the last thing the Village needs.”
Mr Robertson has been working closely with the Bembridge Parish Council who have also asked that the fire station be retained for community purposes.
Groom: Losing the station entirely would be a major blow to the local community
Chairman Councillor Martin Groom said,
“We would prefer the building to be retained as a community asset.
“As a parish council, we would be willing to explore options to take on a caretaker role and operate our village emergency response team from the site.
“Losing the station entirely would be a major blow to the local community.”
Have your say
The public consultation on the future of Bembridge Fire Station has closed and the results are to be considered by the Fire Authority on the 29th August 2025.
Residents are encouraged to submit their views before the deadline.
Article edit
12.25pm 28th Aug 2025 – Correction to consultation being finished made
News shared by the office of Joe Robertson, in their own words. Ed
