Banstead Fire Station Move to Godstone Sparks Response Fears
A Landmark Station Facing Closure
For generations, Banstead Fire Station has been more than just a building on the high street — it’s been a symbol of safety and reassurance for residents across the surrounding villages. Now, that landmark is set to close, with crews relocating roughly nine miles away to Godstone Fire Station by March 2027. The decision comes after Surrey Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that no suitable alternative site could be found in the ‘optimum location’ of Whyteleafe, despite what officials describe as an extensive search. The current Banstead building, owned by Surrey Police, is also being sold, and fire chiefs say it’s ‘not fit for a modern fire and rescue service.’ For many locals, though, the closure represents the loss of a familiar emergency presence in the heart of the community — one that has long been woven into the identity of Banstead, much like other beloved local landmarks in towns such as Guildford, Woking, or Dorking, where community fire cover is similarly cherished and closely watched by residents.
Community and Union Concerns Grow
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has voiced clear opposition to the move, warning that relocating crews further away could mean slower response times when seconds truly count. An FBU spokesperson acknowledged the ‘considerable effort’ made to find an alternative site but reiterated the union’s firm stance against closures that reduce local fire cover. Reigate MP Rebecca Paul, whose constituency includes Banstead, echoed these concerns, calling the decision ‘incredibly disappointing’ and warning that average response times in the area are likely to rise. Speaking to BBC Radio Surrey, she said residents deserve consistent, rapid emergency cover — not statistical averages that mask real risks during critical incidents. For families across Banstead and neighbouring communities, the fear isn’t abstract: it’s about whether help will arrive in time during a house fire, road accident, or medical emergency. Local business owners, too, worry about increased insurance costs and slower emergency support, a concern shared by many other communities from Horsley to East Horsley watching similar fire cover reviews unfold across Surrey.
What Happens Next for Residents
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service insists that despite the move, Banstead residents will continue to receive emergency response that meets required performance standards. Ahead of the 2027 transition, Godstone Fire Station will undergo refurbishment to boost its capacity and ensure it’s ‘modern, efficient, and fit for purpose.’ Local residents are encouraged to stay informed through community meetings and updates from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, as well as via BBC Surrey’s ongoing coverage. In the meantime, homeowners across Banstead are being urged to prioritise fire safety at home — checking smoke alarms, reviewing escape routes, and considering safety upgrades during renovations. Interestingly, many local tradespeople, including bathroom fitters and specialists in bathroom refurbishment and kitchen renovation, report growing interest in fire-safe materials and smart smoke detection systems being installed during home upgrades. As the debate over the Banstead-to-Godstone move continues, residents are advised to engage with public consultations, contact their MP with concerns, and monitor updates from Surrey’s fire authority to ensure community safety remains a top priority in this rural pocket of Surrey.
Source: Banstead Fire Station move to Godstone sparks response time fears
