FIREFIGHTERS based at Ferndown have been posted to other stations leaving the town to be served by on-call teams.

The move has been confirmed by Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell along with an announcement that a recruitment process for full-time firefighters will begin in October.

But Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has refused to confirm whether the two are linked.

Since Monday July 27, six firefighters from Ferndown have been posted to stations in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Members of the public were not consulted.

Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: “As of July 27, the six wholetime firefighters based at Ferndown fire station have been temporarily posted to other stations within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to help with wider operational crewing.

"This has been done following consultation with firefighters and the Fire Brigades Union. The fire engine at Ferndown will still be available, as on-call firefighters, who already crew it during evenings, night time and at weekends, will now do so throughout the week as well.

"The service is grateful to the firefighters for the support they have given in accommodating this temporary posting arrangement. To strengthen the service more generally, we have just announced that a recruitment process for wholetime firefighters across the service will commence in October."

The application process begins in October but new recruits will not take up their posts until April or May next year following a rigorous recruitment process.

New recruits will be based at a number of stations including Christchurch, Ferndown, Poole, Redhill Park, Springbourne and Westbourne.

Applicants must be over the age of 17 years and six months at the closing date, to be 18 or over at the time of employment.

They must have the right to work in the UK, not have any unspent convictions, not have any court judgements outstanding against them and must hold a full valid driving licence .

They must also be confident swimmers and will need to meet required fitness standards.

Anyone interested should go to dwfire.org.uk/wholetime-recruitment and social media channels for more information.