ELLESMERE PORT has lost its dedicated second fire engine after plans to allow Chester to regain its second fire engine were given the go-ahead by Cheshire Fire Authority on Wednesday, July 1.

The proposal, which had a "lot of complicated history" to it according to those behind the plans, was approved as part of a wider 'Integrated Risk Management Plan' for 2020-2024.

Members heard the plans would not see the total number of fire engines or firefighters reduced in west Cheshire, aimed to "balance fire cover" across the region, and would see the number of fire engines stationed at Chester increased to two.

The meeting also heard it would still allow fire crews to attend incidents in both Chester and Ellesmere Port "within 10 minutes".

But the plans had caused an outcry in Ellesmere Port, with 4,000 residents signing a petition to keep the second fire engine stationed in the town.

Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Justin Madders told the meeting residents had raised points that the population in the town was on the rise due to a number of housing developments, and there were a number of industries such as the oil refinery which posed a potential higher risk.

He added: "I hope you will acknowledge the feeling that in Ellesmere Port, with a Chester-dominated authority, that this is a done deal.

"Please listen to what they are saying, show that you are recognising 80 per cent of people who responded to the consultation do not want the second fire engine removed."

But the Cheshire Fire Authority meeting heard if the current fire engine distribution was maintained, three engines could be deployed within 10 minutes to parts of Ellesmere Port, but only one fire engine in that timeframe to parts of Chester.

For Chester, several stakeholders provided a response in support of providing two fire engines in Chester, including Chris Matheson MP; Chester Retired Firefighters; Chester Racecourse; Chester Residents Associations Group and four Cheshire West and Chester councillors representing wards within Chester.

Feedback highlighted heritage risks, the population size and density within Chester and the importance of the City as a visitor attraction to the wider economy.

The plans were given the go-ahead by Cheshire Fire Authority members, with none voting against.