PROPOSALS to relocate Malvern's fire station will come under close scrutiny.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority is looking at moving several stations.

Authority member Clive Smith said: "Some people say they're out to close Malvern and replace it somewhere about Powick."

Such a station could serve both Malvern and the west side of Worcester.

The authority is meeting today (Friday) and Coun Smith said: "I will be questioning the authority closely about its proposals."

But deputy chief fire officer Brian Tregunna said there was no question of moving away from Malvern.

"Malvern is a strategic centre in the two counties and we will definitely be keeping the same number of engines and personnel there," he said. "It's a centre of great importance to us, with the rope rescue team and so on."

The station opened in 1985 but legislation, such as the Disability Discrimination Act, could affect its future if it would cost a lot to modernise. Stations could also be relocated to offer better response times.

Mr Tregunna said: "We're exploring the possibilities. This is a plan for the next eight or ten years, so if Malvern station moves, it may not be until 2015."

He would not rule out the possibility that after the review, a decision might be taken not to move at all.

"The whole thing is in a very early stage. We don't have any alternative sites in mind."

The station at Link Top opened officially on September 14, 1985. It replaced one a short distance away in Howsell Road.