TROWBRIDGE Fire Station could be in danger of losing its water rescue resources despite the River Avon being the biggest flood risk across the county.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed a review is currently taking place to reassess its technical rescue equipment including water, height, confined space, animal rescue and people with certain health conditions.

After a high number of call outs involving the River Avon, staff at the station are fearful water rescue resources will be downgraded.

Just last month fire crews were called out to search the River Avon in Bradford on Avon after a man was seen entering the water.

Since 2004 the fire service has carried out 22 operations in the area to rescue people from the flooded River Avon.

Thirty people, including children, have been rescued from the floods and more than 20 vehicles recovered.

On Twitter, the Trowbridge Fire Station feed said: “We were briefed that despite the River Avon flood basin being the biggest flood risk within Wiltshire our water rescue unit is going to be axed and Trowbridge station downgraded. We are all worried and disappointed about our jobs.”

However, area manager Andy Cole has said a decision is yet to be finalised.

He said:

“There are currently six stations providing differing aspects of technical rescue across the two counties of Dorset and Wiltshire

“The provisions at these six stations are not consistent, and most stations do not provide all of the capabilities. As a combined service, this is neither effective, efficient or resilient. No decisions have been taken, until a strategic review of this provision has been conducted.

“This review will look at risk and demand across the whole service area, using evidence from historical incident data, geographical station locations and neighbouring service capability to determine the best positioning for our technical rescue capability.

“Whilst technical rescue is not a funded statutory duty for the Fire and Rescue Service, we recognise the importance of having this capability.

“This review will look to enhance, not diminish, our capability, allowing us a more strategic approach to the positioning of the key elements of technical rescue - which will also add greater resilience by aligning the way in which all stations operate interchangeably.

“Staff and representative bodies have been briefed as we start the feasibility study, and they will continue to be given the opportunity to contribute their views throughout the review.”