15099/01GAZETTE & HERALD: LIVES could be at risk if vandals continue to attack the fire station in Calne, Station Officer Mike Bagnall has warned.

Mr Bagnall said every second is crucial when crews are called to an emergency.

But in the latest act of vandalism on January 2 the keypads for the combination locks on the station doors were filled with superglue.

Mr Bagnall said a spate of vandalism during the last 12 months is also having an effect on the morale of the 11

retained firefighters at the station.

He said: "If we had needed to get in to the station we would have had to resort to getting another crew to cover. It's definitely a worry.

"One of the firefighters came in at 7pm and the pads had been superglued up at the front and back doors.

"This is obviously a problem for us. We had some calls earlier that day but fortunately we didn't have any other calls after the doors had been glued up. If we had had a fire, I am not saying we would not have attended, but it would have hampered us.

"It is demoralising for people at the station and myself because we have put a lot of effort into really improving facilities.

"The firefighters are trying to rise above it but I see it as demoralising. The brigade has spent a lot of money on the station recently with improvements to the training facilities."

Over the last year there have been several incidents. Windows were smashed, youths were caught up the drill tower, and recently a hosepipe was dragged from the station to the nearby skate park after the cupboard in which it was stored was smashed.

Mr Bagnall said the vandals were putting their own lives at risk.

"It is a security and health and safety risk for anyone.

"We have not got any evidence yet about who is doing this but I would like to stress that anybody who gains unauthorised access to our drill yard is at risk.

"Our firefighters may come from their jobs and will be in a rush to get out of the station quickly in an emergency and anyone who should not be in there could be in danger.

"This is why we do need clear access. We have to make sure we can get to the station."

Mr Bagnall said the station was working with Calne Town Council and the police concerning the problems.

He said: "We are considering issues on working with the community but the problem is identifying the people we need to involve.

"Other things we have done is contact people living near the fire station and asked them to be vigilant.

"The firefighters are volunteers. They want to contribute to the community.

"We are trying to get the message out about the importance of security at the station and the service we provide."

PC James Sheate said he was amazed at the stupidity of the person who had cause the damage.

"It's putting everyone in the town at risk, not just an individual. Theoretically there could have been a grave risk because the fire brigade deal with events from road traffic accidents to fires.

"We are asking people to be extra vigilant and if anyone saw anything suspicious by the fire station on January 2 to contact myself or someone at Calne police."

Anybody with any information can contact Calne police by telephoning (01249) 812106.