CARTERTON could get a fire station after more than 20 years of campaigning.

The expanding town has been identified as needing its own firefighters by Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service.

Around £2.9m from the council’s capital fund up to 2018 has been earmarked for the project.

Carterton county councillor Peter Handley said: “We have been campaigning for a fire station in Carterton for more than 20 years.

“Carterton has expanded so much and there are further new developments planned.

“The town now has 18,000 residents and so there really is a great need for a station.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity and it is now in the forward planning stage. In terms of fire safety, we need it as soon as possible.”

Town mayor Lynn Little added: “It’s incredible news and very welcome for the town.

“I would like to thank all those people who have worked so hard to bring this about.

“It’s also good news that the two stations at Burford and Bampton will remain untouched.

“The town is growing all the time and looking ahead to more housing developments. This is very welcome news.”

Carterton is West Oxfordshire’s second largest town and there is a proposal to build a further 700 new homes east of the town.

The proposed development, known as Carterton East, includes a primary school, shops, leisure facilities, a community centre and an extension to the Kilkenny Lane Country Park.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Simon Furlong said: “In relation to fire cover for Carterton, we have identified future pressure as a result of proposed developments in the area.

“We are currently working on the basis that a new station may be required. Other options could include using existing assets in the area either with other county council services or sharing buildings with other organisations.”

The additional funding would need to be agreed as part of the council’s budget next month.