A rally is being held as concerns grow about the future of a Meon Valley fire station that serves communities around the west of Petersfield.

People in Droxford fear Hampshire Fire & Rescue Authority (HFRS) will close their station “by stealth” with a decision on whether to re-allocate funding meant for its rebuild due to be discussed next Thursday (October 8).

The station – which has experienced its busiest year on record with more than 150 call-outs – has structural problems with HRFS previously agreeing in principle to replace the Union Lane building if it became unsafe.

But that could be postponed, prompting concerns the building could be closed and raising questions over coverage around The Meon Valley and A32/A272 areas.

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Banners in support of the fire station have appeared around the village. (Illife Media/Paul Ferguson)

More than 1,100 people have signed an online Save Droxford Fire Station petition while a rally will be held from 3pm tomorrow (Saturday, October 3) at the station to highlight concerns and show support for firefighters.

The HFRS has allayed concerns, saying the proposal that will be discussed next week seeks to maximise the “operational life” of the station while retaining the existing building for as long as it remains safe.

A spokesperson added: “There are currently no plans to close Droxford Station, and it continues to operate as normal.”