EIGHT fire engines could be axed across Dorset and Wiltshire, the Fire Brigades Union has said. 

It is reported Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is planning to cut eight engines from stations throughout the service area as a result of budget cuts.

Andy Corben, the Fire Brigades Union Secretary for Dorset and Wiltshire, said: "After 14 years of poor funding from central government and the restricted ability to raise council tax, Dorset & Wiltshire is faced with the removal of eight frontline appliances to save more money.

"Since becoming a combined Fire & Rescue Service in 2016, the merger has led to around £55 million in cumulative savings, so the lack of funding for the fire service over this period is quite remarkable.

"During this time, Dorset & Wiltshire cut over 40 frontline firefighter posts, but now the fire engines are planned to be axed.

"Local firefighters implore the labour government and newly elected local MPs to provide investment into Dorset & Wiltshire which will protect the communities they serve from the potential reduction in fire cover.

"National response times to incidents have continually increased over the last ten years, and this means a fire engine, on average, will take 1 minute longer to attend a fire call.

"This is a direct result of inadequate funding from government and will no doubt continue without financial intervention."

He added: "Dorset & Wiltshire's firefighters are deeply concerned with the planned removal of 8 fire engines and the impact this will have on the communities they serve."

The Daily Echo contacted Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service about the possible loss of fire engines in Dorset.

In response, the service said it has carried out a "'comprehensive review"' and is "looking at the position, the number and type of our resources to make sure these meet the changing risk profile across the service area".