A FIRE station will be the first in Merseyside to be used as a polling station for elections.

The hall previously used by voters in Bromborough will not be available for next year’s local elections, and Wirral Council was searching for an alternative venue.

Merseyside fire and rescue service’s station in Bromborough was selected over the nearby Village Hotel.

According to the fire service, it will be the first time one of its stations is used to house polling booths, although a spokesman said stations are already used by community groups for other reasons.

The unique idea was suggested by Bromborough councillor Steve Niblock, who is a member of Merseyside Fire Authority.

He said: “Giles Shirley Hall is owned by Wirral Autistic Society and since it expanded its services, it is not available.

“We needed an alternative venue within the polling district, which is available and useable.

“Given the way the station has been involved with other community services, such as the Dig It project with young people, it seemed an obvious location to look at.

“It has the space and facilities, without disrupting the smooth running of the station.”

The issue was part of a wider report on polling stations being considered by the council’s licensing committee.

Other traditional polling venues, at Heswall’s St Peter’s school and Eastham’s Millfields primary school, will also be abandoned in favour of more convenient venues.

A report by chief executive Steve Maddox said Bromborough fire station suited its requirements.

It read: “The building is of sufficient size for the station, and there are facilities for the staff.

“The building is located to the rear of the fire station in Dock Road South.

“The fire service is keen to encourage community engagement and has a positive attitude to the building being used as a polling station.

“It has also indicated there will be only a minimal charge for the use of the building.”

A spokesman for the fire service said he was not aware of a fire station being used for polling anywhere else in Merseyside.

He said: “They are called community fire stations for good reason. Community groups use them for health and education, and this would just be another step in this direction.”

The report said changes to ownership of buildings which are listed for transfer to community groups as part of the council’s Strategic Asset Review should not make a difference.

It said: “It is intended we incorporate the right to use, for voting purposes, in any buildings subsequently transferred”.

It added: “Problem areas, and suggestions for venues which may be more suitable, are always investigated.”