OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Claremont, St Ann, is a step closer to having a fire station as the National Land Agency (NLA) has voiced no objection to the proposed site for the facility.

St Ann Municipal Corporation CEO Jennifer Brown-Cunningham provided the update during Thursday’s monthly sitting of the council. She said NLA wrote to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, giving the green light for the use of land identified in Crescent Park.

“We are well on our way in terms of getting the appropriate [approvals] for the land to construct the fire station in Claremont,” said Brown-Cunningham.

Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Michael Belnavis is among those eagerly awaiting the fire station as he is of the view that it will fill an existing void.

“The southern part of the parish was really in need of the station because fire trucks would have to travel from the coast to the hills to put out fires. I also want to thank the minister for seeing the importance of such [a] facility in that area,” said Belnavis.

The update was also well received by Councillor Kaydian Harty (People’s National Party, Claremont Division) who has been advocating for a fire station which she says will directly impact the lives of people she represents.

Harty noted that days ago there was a minor fire at the community library.

“Luckily, the residents were able to contain the blaze and the unit from the St Ann’s Bay Fire Station had responded. I would like to thank them and the police for their quick response,” Harty said.

She also expressed appreciation to the fire chief who she said helped provide fire safety training for residents in the division, giving them a better chance of protecting themselves and the community in the event of a fire.

Councillor Genevor Gordon Bailey (Jamaica Labour Party, Lime Hall Division) also welcomed the news that there has been progress in putting a fire station in Claremont.

“Claremont and Lime Hall have some bordering communities so I know it will benefit us,” she said.

Like Harty, she was also happy there had been no major damage to the library from the recent fire.

“The building with the library is very historic and the library also serves members of the Lime Hall Division; it’s very active there. So, I want to also express thanks to the citizens for extinguishing the fire, and the fire safety training is also a great move,” Gordon Bailey said.