After months of consultation about modernisation plans for the fire service, it has been revealed that Brinklow has been earmarked for definite closure - despite hundreds of people protesting against the proposals.
Last year seven stations were n
amed for possible closure and now following the end of the consultation the fire service has come up with a three-option plan which will be discussed at a meeting on Tuesday.
Brinklow and Warwick would shut under all three options being considered by Warwickshire County Council.
Closing Studley is proposed in two of the option and Bidford would shut under one of them.
Campaigners say that closing the stations would leave a severe lack of fire cover across the Rugby area, but fire bosses believe it will actually improve the service.
The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) has reacted angrily to the news and has vowed to do all it can to help save the fire stations, including a planned lobby at Tuesday's meeting and industrial action short of a strike - an option that would not result in a full on strike with no fire cover.
Steve Roberts, vice chairman of the FBU, said: "Obviously they have taken no notice of people's feelings from the consultation last year. We're shocked.
"The plans are dangerous for the people that live and travel through Warwickshire.
"We will be fighting this all the way."
Jerry Roodhouse, leader of the Rugby Liberal Democrats, added: "My position has been clear since before the general election - and that is that Brinklow's fire station shouldn't be closed down.
"The county council are letting down smaller communities by the way it's acting and I hope residents and businesses make their feelings towards the proposals known."
The plans being put forward to full council on Tuesday have been amended from those first proposed in September last year following an extensive period of consultation.
Graeme Smith, chief fire officer said: "I hope that the public will see that I have listened and whilst not all decisions will be popular, I have adapted the improvement plan to offer a resilient service that prioritises our resources. That does mean taking difficult decisions but we have to have a service that is fit for purpose now and into the future. I would not be proposing these changes unless there were clear benefits to be achieved and I am confident about what must be done to face the challenges which lie ahead to ensure that we provide a first class emergency prevention, protection and response service."
The plans will be discussed at Shire Hall in Warwick at 9am on Tuesday.
