State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has expressed her disappointment at the decision by the Minister for Emergency Services to sell the old Wallsend Fire Station.
The Fire Station was recently vacated after the Wallsend 484 crew moved into brand new premises at Summerhill Drive, Wallsend. A number of community groups had come forward to register an interest in using the old building and restoring it as a project.
Ms Hornery had written to the Minister asking for the old Wallsend Fire Station to remain in public hands but the Minister has so far refused to meet or respond to the letter.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“I guess the Minister has decided that the best way to respond to my letter was to put up a for sale sign on the old Wallsend Fire Station this week.”
“It is extremely disappointing that despite raising the community’s concerns and despite registering an interest in using the building as a community space, the Minister has ignored those concerns and advertised the building for sale.”
“It is not surprising though, the Government has shown how little it cares about what the community wants by continuing to ignore the issues that local MPs have raised.”
“This is the same Minister that doesn’t think there is a problem with crime in parts of the Wallsend electorate. The same Minister who has refused to meet and discuss those concerns.”
“The old Wallsend Fire Station in Devon Street has been a part of the Wallsend landscape for more than 90 years.”
“I feel sorry for the local community groups who had some great ideas for the old building. The Minister has been utterly disrespectful in the way he has responded to their request.”