Station future unclear
FIRE bosses are remaining tip-lipped over whispers about the future of Windsor Fire Station.
Rumours the Royal Borough and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) have been in talks about selling the St Mark's Road station and moving a smaller crew to Windsor Castle to retain a 24-hour service in Windsor have been the hot topic of debate.
A source, who did not want to be named, said: "No one has denied or confirmed the rumours, but I have been told by officials there is something in this."
The Observer has been informed by two official sources of talks and contacted RBFRS, Royal Borough councillors and Buckingham Palace, who all failed to deny the rumours.
Leader of the council, Cllr David Burbage, said: "I'm not aware of any specific plans but members on the fire authority are in constant talks about saving 24-hour cover in Windsor. I know there are rumours going about but I haven't seen anything in writing and I would not want to speculate on something that involves the Royal family.
"It is unlikely that there will be any kind of announcement ahead of the Government's spending cuts on October 20 as the fire service do not know where they stand yet."
A spokeswoman from RBFRS said: "Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead continue their discussions regarding the fire and rescue service in Windsor. Both authorities are awaiting the outcome of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review on Wednesday before considering any proposals more closely.
"No details have been decided and RBFRS' emergency resource provision is reviewed as part of its integrated risk management planning process."
A campaign to retain around the clock fire cover in Windsor was launched in 2007 after the Fire Authority voted to accept RBFRS proposals to axe 24-hour cover in Windsor.
The Royal Borough made headlines when it revealed plans to seek powers under the Sustainable Communities Act to create a council-run fire brigade, but their proposals were thrown out.