The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has been replaced by a new Combined Fire Authority, one year later than planned.

An at-times controversial process to combine the Island's fire teams with those in Hampshire was completed yesterday (Wednesday, March 31).

In a tweet yesterday, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: "Today the sun will set on the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.

"End of an era but the start of a new chapter in the Service's history as we become the 'Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service,' under a new Combined Fire Authority.

"Thanks to all serving and past members."

The new combined authority, responsible for fire and rescue services on the Island and in Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Southampton, was due to go live in April, 2020.

Due to 'unforeseen pressure' on home office policy and legal resource, the date was pushed back to April, 2021.

In a Facebook post yesterday, a pressure group called 'Isle of Wight Fire Service review and you' called it 'a sad day for many'.

Isle of Wight County Press:

In October, as part of the dicusssions, concerns were raised about the poor state of the Isle of Wight's fire stations compared to those in Hampshire.

Much of that meeting of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue shadow authority (now an official task force) was held in private, as members dicussed improvements to fire stations managed by the new Combined Fire Authority (CFA). 

On Facebook, 'Isle of Wight Fire Service review and you' said the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service had led the way for equipment, PPE, skills and robustness.

It said: "We can only wait to see what this combination will bring.

"Is it the promised land of opportunity, newly built stations and groundbreaking equipment, or is it just a bag of magic beans?"

It pledged to keep its page open for further updates.

Meanwhile, Isle of Wight Council tax payers are now paying more to fund the fire service.

Previously, it was included in the Island's main council tax allowance but now a new fire precept is added to council tax bills for Island residents - ÂŁ7 more.

The Combined Fire Authority was approved in January 2019, when plans to join the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton were finally agreed.

At the time, Isle of Wight Council Leader Dave Stewart called it 'a good decision' and said: "I look forward to the progression of it.”

A report into the issue said it would create a ‘stronger and safer’ service.

In 2018, there had been a warning that it could mean that Isle of Wight fire stations, and land would be owned by the combined service.

Concerns were also raised at County Hall about whether the new service would be as safe.

Then councilllor-in-charge of community safety and public protection, Cllr Tig Outlaw said: “The levels of risk are not going to change just because we have partnered with Hampshire.”

He stepped away from his role in November 2019.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Cllr Tig Outlaw

Since 2019, the process has been partly overseen by deputy chief firefighter, Islander Steve Apter.

Mr Apter will retire in June, after 30 years of service, around two years after returning to the south coast for the role.

Announcing his retirement plans he said: "Returning as the deputy chief and delivering the combination between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been a fitting end to my career.

"My final year has seen probably the most difficult challenge of all, as gold commander of our response to the Covid-19 pandemic. I’ve never been prouder of the Fire and Rescue Service family and its ability to adapt to a crisis. 

"The best team I have around me is my family and their support and love has been a life saver for me, as has living on this beautiful Island."

Isle of Wight County Press:

Deputy fire chief, Steve Apter

Yesterday, Mr Apter tweeted "I would like to add my own thanks and appreciation to those who have gone before us.

"Thank you to everybody involved and looking forward to continuing to deliver the best service to our communities."

Isle of Wight County Press:

The County Press has asked the Isle of Wight Council for a comment.