HAMPSHIRE fire bosses have moved to reassure Winchester residents following news that the service has drawn up secret plans to relocate its station.

Yesterday the Daily Echo revealed proposals to move from North Walls to Easton Lane in Winnall, with its workshops moving to Eastleigh. The North Walls station would be sold for housing in a £1 million-plus deal.

Widespread concern greeted the news with fears that it was cash-driven and could lead to longer response times and a worsening service to the public.

The fire service said in a statement: "With regard to the possibility of re-siting fire stations, such decisions would only be taken after a thorough emergency cover review, and only if a relocation confers an advantage - in terms of emergency cover, and reduced risk - to the people of Winchester.

"We can confirm we are looking into the possibility of relocating the fire service workshops in Winchester to our headquarters in Eastleigh, as part of the redevelopment programme at Leigh Road.

"However no firm decision has been taken at this stage. Nor has a decision been taken to re-site Winchester fire station."

The statement said any change would be subject to public consultation and planning permission.

A spokesman told the Daily Echo: "There is no proposal. It is something under consideration internally. It would go out to consultation and planning permission. It would only be done if there were advantages to the people of Winchester."

However, the Daily Echo has been assured by a well-placed source that senior fire officers favour the move and envisage one within two years. Public concern is growing. Yesterday the Daily Echo reported fears among city councillors, MP Mark Oaten and the residents' association.

County councillor Pamela Peskett said: "My thoughts centre on the Cathedral. It is the most important treasure we have. It would take longer to get there from Easton Lane. Those could be vital extra minutes."

County councillor Ann Bailey, a member of the fire authority, said: "I know there are concerns among local firemen. If the station is in Winnall, you are on the wrong side of Winchester and have got to go round the city. The M3 can become a bottleneck."

Eddie Burrows, spokesman for the Fire Brigades Union, said: "We don't mind change or modernisation for a better service. But we are worried about job cuts, service cuts and risk to life."

A key question would be the weight given to the different type of emergencies. Easton Lane is better placed for incidents on the M3.

Although it would be worse placed for dealing with most domestic fires, the number of these has declined in recent years with the success of fire prevention measures.

In an experiment last year an engine from Redbridge in Southampton has been based at North Walls between 6pm and midnight to test whether Winchester could become a 24-hour manned station. At present it is crewed during the day with firemen on call from homes nearby.

If there is a demand for 24-hour cover then it may be more difficult to convert North Walls for the extra living and canteen space than in a new building in Winnall.