14th April 2026
Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame, has welcomed the decision to retain the second fire engine based in Thame, following a public consultation on proposed changes to fire service provision.
The second appliance had been at risk as part of wider plans to reshape local services, prompting concern from residents and firefighters about the potential impact on emergency response and resilience. The consultation attracted strong engagement, with many highlighting the importance of maintaining capacity in Thame.
Commenting on this, Freddie said:
“I’m delighted that the council has listened to the voices of concerned residents in Thame. We were told from the start that the proposed changes were not set in stone and I’m glad that has proven to be the case.
“Thame fire station sits on a strategically important site, in one of Oxfordshire’s largest towns, close to the M40, and next to areas of Buckinghamshire set to balloon in size over the next few years. It never made sense to cut the second engine at Thame with all this happening and so I’m pleased that in working with the Town Council and local councillors Kate Gregory and Judith Edwards, we have kept Thame at full strength. It is important going forward that the fire and rescue service in Oxfordshire work hand in glove with Buckinghamshire to keep response times down and the engines fully crewed”.
