A new chapter in the history of the Crewe's fire service took place on Friday 3 May, when the new fire station officially opened following a £7 million development.

Former firefighter, Gareth Roberts, who compiled a book 'Cooling the Flames of Crewe,' which gives an insight into firefighting in Crewe over the years, attended the ceremony.

Gareth told Nub News: "This new state of the art fire station doesn't compare with Crewe's previous fire stations. 

The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Redmond MBE, carried out the official opening as she unveiled a wooden plaque, which had been hand crafted by former Crewe firefighter, Peter Shields (Jonathan White).

"One of Crewe's first fire stations was a shed at the rear of the Royal Hotel when the public relied on volunteers to tackle fires.

"In 1872, the fire engine was kept in an old chapel alongside the Market Hall and in 1906, Crewe firefighters moved to a purpose-built fire station in Beech Street. 

"Sixty years later, a fire station was opened by Alice Bacon MP on the same site as today's new fire station. It came at a cost of £84,200. 

"The new fire station, which is carbon neutral with solar panels and has three bays to house fire appliances, has cost £7 million."

Representatives from ISG, who constructed the state-of-the-art building, attended the opening ceremony alongside members of the Cheshire Fire Authority, senior fire officers and past and present Crewe firefighters.

The visitors at the ceremony were welcomed by Cheshire's chief fire officer, Alex Waller, and vice-Chair of the fire authority, Gina Lewis.

Representatives from ISG, who constructed the state-of-the-art building, attended the opening ceremony alongside members of the Cheshire Fire Authority, senior fire officers and past and present Crewe firefighters (Ryan Parker).

The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Redmond MBE, carried out the official opening as she unveiled a wooden plaque, which had been hand crafted by former Crewe firefighter, Peter Shields.

Members of Crewe's Green Watch demonstrated their skills by performing rescue drills and the visitors were given a guided tour of the building.

'Cooling the Flames of Crewe' was published in 2022 and is still available from Gareth Roberts (email: [email protected]) at a cost of £15, with proceeds donated to the Firefighters Charity.

READ MORE: Crewe pub gets 'packed out' following launch of Sunday roasts and food menu.

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