AS HAMWORTHY Fire Station steps back from frontline firefighting, it could become home to youths excluded from Poole schools.

The Blandford Road station is losing its full time crew and fire engine to the new Poole Fire Station, which opens at Marshes End on Thursday, but will keep its retained firefighters and their vehicle.

No longer manned full-time, it is planned that it will become a community fire station and home to the local safety teams who will promote the fire safety message, and host neighbourhood events.

However, there are also proposals by the Borough of Poole to put in temporary accommodation at the rear, adjacent to Carters Avenue, for use as a pupil referral unit.

The unit is currently at The Gaff youth club next to Hamworthy Library - however the library is being redeveloped and the unit has to find a new home.

Planning permission is being sought to put in temporary accommodation for use by around six to 12 teenagers at the fire station, but John Nash, director of children's services, Borough of Poole, said another site was also being investigated.

"While we await the outcome of our bid for funding from the government to provide new permanent facilities for the pupil referral unit (at the former Rossmore Library), we are planning to improve facilities with a temporary arrangement on the site of Hamworthy fire station.

"We are grateful to the Dorset Fire Service for their community partnership approval and feel the young people will really benefit from better facilities and the positive role models of the fire service."

Chief fire officer Darran Gunter said the new Poole Fire Station demonstrated their commitment to provide the best service possible.

"Enhanced facilities at the new station will accommodate three fire engines which also now allows us to provide community facilities at Hamworthy.

"It is a great result for everyone; the service, our partners and the local communities."