Rochdale's new fire station is now up and running

Firefighter Chris Watson, Firefighter Jon Crossley, Watch Manager Paul Wilkinson, Firefighter Gary Baxter and Firefighter Kris Ahmed at the new Rochdale Fire Station

Firefighters began working from the new fire station on Halifax Road on Wednesday 8 January.

The station has solar panels, uses recycled water and is carbon neutral with an A+ Energy Performance Certificate. New community facilities include an internet café, a community room and garden.

Station Manager Andy Bracken from Rochdale Community Fire Station worked at the old station on Maclure Road for more than five years. He said: “On our last day at the old station, and the first day at the new one, we carried out a final parade in full undress uniform and rang the bell, which has made the journey with us.

“I am proud to be the station manager making the transition from Maclure Road to Halifax Road.”

Local schoolchildren were invited to take part in an art competition focusing on keeping the community safe while the station was being built. Winners have been selected by Station Manager Bracken and will receive a VIP invitation, for them and their classmates, to attend the official opening ceremony at the station in March.