Radlett 'losing its community feel' with fire station sale (From Borehamwood Times)

Radlett 'losing its community feel' with fire station sale

4:30pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in News By Chris Hewett

Radlett 'losing its community feel' with fire station sale

Radlett is losing its community feel according to residents angry at news the town’s former fire station is being sold to developers.

Hertfordshire County Council announced last week it has agreed to sell the Watling Street site to Beechwood Homes Ltd if planning permission can be obtained for development.

Beechwood Homes has already expressed its intentions to redevelop the land for “a mixed community use and residential housing scheme”.

A representative said it will be submitting plans to Hertsmere Council in March and a public consultation to showcase the proposals is being held at The Radlett Centre next week.

However, campaigners who fought to re-open the former retained station after it was shut down in 2007 say the closure of key services is leaving the town soulless.

Stephen Oakes-Monger, of Park Road, gathered a petition of more than 7,000 signatures to try and save the fire station and has led various campaigns to retain the building for community use.

The 53-year-old said: “When I heard about the sale I was very angry. This building has been part of the community since 1906 and it should remain for the community.

“Housing isn’t going to help me – I would rather see the police using it or a combination of emergency services. We pay massive council tax – the most in Hertsmere – and we’re getting nothing for it in the way of services.”

Hertfordshire Fire Authority, which owns the building, has not yet made public the amount Beechwood Homes is expected to pay for the site.

Martin Jackman, 53, said: "What is a community unless it has services at its centre? What will they get rid of next?"

Residents against the sale are now looking to encourage members of the public to have their say at the consultation.

Mr Oakes-Monger added: “This used to be our fire station in our village and that has been taken away. We’re encouraging as many people as possible to come along to the consultation - we want Radlett’s voice to be heard.”

The consultation will take place at The Radlett Centre, in Aldenham Avenue, on Tuesday, February 21, from 6.15pm.