A SHORTAGE of retained firefighters in Droxford has prompted a recruitment drive by fire chiefs.
Hampshire fire chiefs say they only have half the number of retained staff needed to man the Union Lane fire station.
Assistant Divisional Officer Les Agate is urging locals to volunteer their services.
"We need more people, men or women aged 18 and over and in good health, to join the retained firefighters in order to keep this station operational," he said.
Rural communities rely on retained crews to provide emergency protection but
the number of people com-
ing forward is steadily declining.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Mike Gates said: "A number of factors are affecting retained firefighter recruitment, not least changes to rural communities.
"As people gravitate more to the bigger towns and cities and the local village amenities suffer, so there is less staff in the locality that can be called upon in an emergency."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article