Windsor's full-time fire station to open by year's end
A new full-time £400,000 fire station is set to open in Windsor by the end of the year.
Work will start within weeks at the site in Tinkers Lane after a Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead panel unanimously voted in its favour.
Jesse Grey, panel chairman, said there was a "force of support" for a dedicated crew to provide round-the-clock fire cover in the town.
Crews from Slough currently staff Windsor station at night.
The St Mark's Road site has been crewed during daylight hours only by the Windsor crew since October 2011 when a 24-hour station opened in Wokingham.
Phill Bicknell, panel member and Windsor councillor, said: "The recent devastating fire in Park Street demonstrated once again the need for 24/7 cover in Windsor.
"The council has worked tirelessly towards this goal and the panel decision is fantastic news - a significant milestone on our journey towards giving local people the security of local fire cover.
"[It is] a major achievement."
The council is funding £300,000 towards the building costs and a government grant awarded to the fire service will cover the remaining £100,000.
The station will be provided to the fire service on a 125-year rent-free lease.
Eighteen fire engines from across five counties were called to the fire in Park Street in May, with Windsor Castle allowing firefighters to use its water.