The new Cudworth community fire station is now operational after a full set of checks on its call-out system. The full-time fire engine and crew which was previously based at Royston have moved to Cudworth. Royston fire station remains operational staffed by on-call firefighters.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue had feared last week that problems with installing the telecommunications system would cause the station opening to be delayed until the end of June. But contractors worked through the bank holiday weekend to fit and check the essential equipment, enabling the move to take place as planned this morning.

Head of Asset Management Andrew Stevens said: “I am pleased to say the opening of this station has gone very smoothly. We did have concerns last week that the opening would be delayed but, after some extensive negotiations on our part, the installation of the necessary technology took place over the weekend. This has now been thoroughly checked and firefighters have moved in this morning.

“We are very pleased with this new resource, which increases our service provision to the east side of Barnsley and the Dearne Valley. I would like to thank North Midland Building Ltd, who have completed the construction of both our new stations at Dearne and Cudworth to a very high standard.”

The new £2.4 million fire station also offers another example of SYFR’s ongoing commitment to the environment and carbon reduction. A rainwater harvesting system recycles water for use in functions such as toilet cisterns, whilst  hot water on site is heated using solar energy, minimising the usage of the gas-fired boilers. Movement sensors are incorporated into most everyday functions, with water taps and electric lights only activating when they are needed, to minimise  energy waste.

The opening of Cudworth fire station means Brampton station has now closed. It had initially been due to close in April, at the same time as Mexborough station closed, upon the opening of Dearne fire station. However, Brampton remained open for a limited additional period until Cudworth became operational today.

The former stations of Brampton, Mexborough and Doncaster are currently being advertised in the hope of selling the sites in the coming months.

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