SENIOR fire officers have given a categorical assurance that they will not abandon Malvern.

At last Friday's meeting of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority, Clive Smith asked for a guarantee that any new fire station would be in the town.

This follows fears that Malvern fire station could be replaced by one in the Powick area, serving both Malvern and west Worcester.

Coun Smith said deputy chief fire officer Brian Tregunna had told him categorically that Malvern would not be left without a station.

"He said Malvern will have its own stand-alone fire station," said Coun Smith. "I'm very pleased that I've been given a public reassurance about this. It's good news for Malvern."

He said chief fire officer Paul Hayden had backed up Mr Tregunna's assurance.