DEMOLITION work has started at the old Westhaven Junior School in Weymouth in the first stage of a new fire station development.

Bulldozers rolled on to the site yesterday to mark the beginning of the project to deliver a new, state-of-the-art community fire station.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service has been trying for years to find a suitable site for a new facility in the town.

The existing station at the bottom of Boot Hill is no longer suitable for the needs of the modern service.

Chief fire officer Darran Gunter added: “As a fire and rescue service, our aim is to prevent incidents occurring, and, where incidents do require us to attend, to provide an effective and safe response. The new community fire station will have a live demonstration area where members of the public can view the devastating and explosive effects of fire. There will also be a number of other education facilities and general facilities for the communities and in particular vulnerable groups to use. “We believe that by engaging with individuals we will be better placed to influence their behaviours and make them and their communities safer.”

Chris Bulteel, the chairman of Dorset Fire Authority, said: “This is an exciting project for the Fire Authority with the opportunity to develop an outstanding and innovative community fire station. It will provide safer communities for many generations.”

Poole-based construction company Morgan Ashurst will be creating the new station. Area director Paul Gale said: “Beginning the demolition is an exciting milestone as it marks the start of work to create this fantastic facility.”

Demolition works are expected to go on until the end of May, with the site being ready for construction once contracts are signed.

The build period is estimated to be just under 12 months with the handover scheduled by July 1, next year.