AVON Fire and Rescue Service have moved into a new headquarters, sharing the base of operations of Avon and Somerset Police in Portishead.

Around 65 members of the service’s support staff, along with uniformed officers, senior managers and directors, are in the process of moving into office space at the renamed ‘Police and Fire Headquarters’ on Valley Road.

The move means they will leave behind their former site at Temple Back, which they have used since 1973.

Although both organisations will retain their independence it’s hoped the move will represent a saving for Avon Fire Authority and allow creative opportunities for closer working between the two blue light services, while acting as part of their aim to make annual savings of £4.5million.

The relocation was approved by Avon Fire Authority in July 2016. Since then staff from the police and fire and rescue service have been working on plans to bring the move to fruition.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, Mick Crennell, said: “Today represents a new start and an exciting chapter in the history of Avon Fire and Rescue Service.

“While we will continue to maintain our independence and identity there is no doubt being co-located with our colleagues from the police offers many opportunities to work more closely together in key areas.

“I must give credit for the extraordinary amount of work that has taken place behind the scenes by staff from both organisations in preparation for this move.

“Today marks the culmination of an immense effort and my thanks also go to the PCC and chief constable for both their support and this great opportunity.

“The Government has long indicated its desire to see blue light services working more closely together and this is an approach we fully embrace at our new Headquarters.”

Cllr Donald Davies, chairman of Avon Fire Authority, said: “This service has seen enormous change over the past few years which will result in financial savings for many years to come.

“Moving the fire and rescue service’s Headquarters makes absolute financial sense as well as the potential for future operational efficiencies.

“The site we have left at Temple Back had become increasingly costly to maintain so this was an obvious opportunity to significantly reduce overheads and provide our staff with a modern office that reflects current needs.

“The relocation has inevitably impacted on our staff and I am grateful to them for the way they have responded.

"Our support staff and senior managers play a critical role in keeping this organisation running so I’m pleased we now have a headquarters that is fit for purpose while providing an overall saving to the Authority.

Chief constable Andy Marsh said: “We are delighted to welcome Avon Fire and Rescue Service to Headquarters.

“For many years we have worked together to respond to civil and other emergencies and recently we have started working more closely to manage and reduce demand and to keep people safe.

“We expect the move to help us continue and improve on this good work and at a time when we are facing budgetary constraints, it makes sense for us to fully use the buildings we have.”

PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “I am thoroughly looking forward to us all operating under one roof, as we welcome Avon Fire and Rescue Service to Portishead.

"Becoming a Police and Fire HQ not only makes sense financially but also gives us the opportunity to work more closely as emergency services, providing the best service possible to our local residents.”