Signing of new lease for Windsor fire station not 'imminent'

CLAIMS the signing of a lease for the new Windsor fire station is 'imminent' have had cold water poured on them.

The Royal Borough's Conservative Group announced last week the signing of a 125-year rent-free lease for the Tinkers Lane site - where Windsor Fire Station is due to move from St Mark's Road - is imminent.

Councillor David Burbage, Royal Borough council leader, said:

"The imminent signing of the lease means we will be one step closer to meeting the needs of Windsor's residents and businesses by accommodating the new fire station at the council's depot in Tinkers lane."

However, Royal Berkhire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) stated a date has not yet been set for the signing of the lease.

A RBFRS spokeswoman said:

"The lawyers are still tying up the legal odds and ends. We cannot give a date at this stage as the legal aspects are still being gone over.

"The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service will do a joint press release. It is fair to say that we hope the legal bits and pieces will be done soon enough."

She added:

"There is still a way to go yet."

The Royal Borough released £40,000 of capital funding in April to fund the building of the station with it hoped the agreement will retain 24/7 fire cover in Windsor.

RBFRS will sell off the current St Mark's Road site as part of the deal.

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