THE Bishop of Durham officially opened a new £5 million fire station for the city today (Tuesday, March 17).

The Durham Community Fire Station off the A691 at Sniperley, which went live last month, replaced ageing facilities on Finchale Road, Framwellgate Moor.

The Right Reverend Paul Butler cut the ribbon before being given a tour of the facility.

The 13,000sq metre, two-storey station houses three fire engines, a targeted response vehicle, aerial ladder platform and environmental protection unit and will soon provide a new home for the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team.

Forty-four full-time and 14 retained firefighters are based on site, covering Durham City and surrounding areas including the A1(M).

There are also meeting rooms and facilities available for community use.

Susan Johnson, chief executive of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “These fantastic facilities will allow us to continue to provide an efficient and effective response to incidents, meet the training needs of our firefighters and establish a useful community hub, which local people and groups can use for meetings and events.”

The previous station was 60 years old, costly to maintain and no longer fit for purpose. That site has been sold for housing.

Funding also came from government grants.

Councillor Michele Hodgson, chair of the County Durham and Darlington Fire Authority, said: “Despite the challenges posed by budget reductions, prudent financial planning has allowed the service to invest in modernising fire stations, training facilities and a move to a fit-for-purpose headquarters building.”

The brigade headquarters has already moved from Framwellgate Moor to Belmont Business Park, while new training facilities have been created at Bowburn South Industrial Estate.

Planning permission for the new Sniperley station was granted in 2013 despite concerns about the loss of greenbelt land.

Supporters say it is well placed to serve the area.

Mrs Johnson said: “We are pleased that the Bishop of Durham and so many of our partners were able to join us today to officially open this impressive new community fire station.

“This building is now well positioned to serve those people living and working in Durham as well as visitors to our region for many years to come.”

Plans are afoot to launch a Young Firefighters’ Association at the station, for youngsters aged 11 to 17.