AN MP has said the shelved plan to build four fire stations is an example of the Government abandoning rural communities.

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman voiced concerns that a programme to upgrade fire stations in Barnard Castle, Stanhope, Sedgefield and Crook, all County Durham, has ground to a halt. The station in Barnard Castle is in Ms Goodman’s constituency.

Confusion surrounds the situation relating to Government financing for plans by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) to rebuild the four stations, some of which date from the Fifties.

Ms Goodman is supporting CDDFRS and urging ministers to clear up the confusion relating to the private finance initiative (PFI) funding.

She said she is concerned that failure to replace the stations, which lack modern training facilities, will impact on the ability of the service to adequately train staff and continue to deliver a service to the keep the community safe.

The Labour MP plans to contact the minister for communities and local government urging him to clarify whether central funding will be made available to support the development. She said: “The previous government supported the PFI programme of building which saw new community stations built, including Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor.

“I am concerned that the confusion over funding will see Barnard Castle lose out and that the Government is abandoning rural communities.

“I will be writing to the minister urging him to support the fire service in this area.”