Conservation complete at town's oldest fire station

Work to restore the facade of a town's oldest fire station has been completed ahead of its 90th anniversary.

The Mounts fire station in Upper Mounts, Northampton, opened on the site of a former jail on 30 July 1935.

Stonemasons have spent the last six months repairing some of the Bath stone used in the original construction, with work also seeing repairs to a Northampton crest above the bay doors.

Northamptonshire's Labour Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Danielle Stone, said it was "fantastic" to protect the "iconic" Grade II listed building "for many years to come".

She said: "We've really appreciated the support of our conservation partners and our fantastic property team for their attention to detail throughout this entire process."

Survey work identified the Bath stone had been damaged by water in planters above the bays.

Following consultation with West Northamptonshire Council's conservation officers, the planters have been in place and turned upside down to prevent further damage.

Andy Luxton, the station commander, said: "The crews at The Mounts are proud to serve at such a historic building that is centrally located in the town to proactively support the diverse communities in Northampton while being available to respond to emergencies.

"The restoration work ensures that the building continues to take its impressive position flanked by Campbell Square Police Station and The Mounts Baths."

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