Ten fire stations get £27m boost

The fire and rescue service is set for a £27.1m boost in Suffolk.

Nine fire stations are to rebuilt or refurbished and a new one is to be built in South Lowestoft.

The money from a PFI deal will see fire stations at Ipswich (Colchester Road), Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe, Haverhill and Sudbury refurbished.

Fire stations at North Lowestoft, Hadleigh, Needham Market and Nayland will be rebuilt and all 10 will be equipped to the latest standards.

Refurbishment required

Fire minister Parmjit Dhanda said: "This project will help to further reduce fires, fire deaths and injuries.

"The improved facilities for fire service personnel will help Suffolk to attract and retain a more diverse workforce which is reflective of the community they serve."

Mr Dhanda said: "However, some fire stations are no longer best located to meet current and future interventional and fire prevention needs.

"A number of existing buildings are beyond economic repair, and refurbishment work is required for others."

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service operates from 35 fire stations located throughout the county.