FIREFIGHTERS have now moved into Kinver’s new £1.9 million community fire station.

The state-of-the-art facility has replaced the outdated base on Fairfield Drive, which was built in 1957 and is designed to enable firefighters to respond more efficiently and effectively to emergencies.

When the remainder of work on site is finished, groups and organisations will be encouraged to gather in the station's meeting rooms and have a greater level of contact with the firefighters.

Station manager Liam Hickey said: "The crews are really pleased to be operating from the new community fire station – it marks a real milestone both for the service and for the residents of Kinver.

"The fire and rescue service has changed significantly since the old station was built in the 1950s and the new facility reflects those changes. The modern station will allow us to provide the first-class emergency response cover that our communities expect and deserve."