FIRE and police chiefs are looking to move their officers into a new multi-agency station in Hereford.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority’s policy and resource committee is proposing to withdraw its interest in the Herefordshire Council owned Merton Meadow site which had previously been identified as a suitable location.

Instead, they now recommend investing £250,000 in a detailed design for a joint site with West Mercia Police on land off Holmer Road.

Nigel Snape, head of legal services at the fire authority, said: “An operational responses assessment has indicated that the site is viable for both police and fire response purposes, with no significant impact on fire service operational response.

“With a limited window of opportunity to secure this new site, West Mercia Police are proceeding with the purchase of this site and initial design feasibilities indicate that the site will be able to provide.”

Fire authority chairman Roger Phillips said the current St Owen’s Street station was opened in 1951 and they have been searching for a new site for several years.

“The opportunity to locate with the police on a new joint station will give us a 21st century facility for our firefighters,” he said.

“This is the principal station in the county, housing the only full time firefighters in Herefordshire.

“The new station is part of an ongoing capital investment programme which includes extensions to Eardisley and Leintwardine Fire Stations and a recent joint facility with police at Peterchurch.

“Previously the authority looked at the old council office in Bath street and at Merton Meadow adjoining the football ground.”

However, despite the policy and resource committee scheduled to consider these recommendations at a meeting on Thursday (November 29), a West Mercia police and crime commissioner spokesman said a site had not yet been purchased.

He said: “The information in the fire authority report is incorrect and we have made that clear to them. We have not purchased any sites at the moment.

“Naturally, if/when that changes we would be happy to provide any and all information, but hope you will understand we don’t want to jump the gun and as such won’t be providing any comment in the meantime.”

Incidentally, estate agents Sunderlands have sold the former Painter Brothers Ltd sports field off Holmer Road subject to contract.

They were seeking offers in excess of £850,000 for the 2.792-acre site.

Policy and resource committee members would neither confirm nor deny that this is the site they are looking to move the station to.