A SEARCH to find a new site for Malpas fire station look set to be put on hold after attempts to relocate were unsuccessful.

A review in 2014 suggested moving the station closer to Newport city centre, with another location potentially allowing better access to emergencies.

But a report set to be discussed by councillors on South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) authority next week has recommended "to suspend an active search for a site."

The report says the authority will only now consider the relocation "if and when a suitable alternative site becomes known and available to the service."

"Since 2015 the service has conducted extensive investigation into the availability of suitable land in the Newport city centre area to proceed with this recommendation," the report says.

"We have progressed some sites with landowners but have found that we are competing with high value users, including student housing providers and retail.

"To date no suitable site has been identified, however the service will investigate the possibility of any suitable sites they are made aware of in the future."

A proposal to relocate the station, which is situated near the Brynglas Tunnels in Newport, was put forward with plans for the M4 relief road in mind.

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In its 2014 review the fire authority said moving the station closer to the city centre "may positively impact on risk should the service have to relocate due to proposed M4 expansion plans or other developments."

If a a new road were built, the fire service has previously said it would look at its provision across Newport.

Another advantage of the relocation was to reduce the size of the site and the maintenance requirements that the current "extensive buildings" create.

As well as suspending the "active search" for a new site, councillors could also give approval to authorising continued maintenance of the existing Malpas Road fire station.

The proposals will be discussed at a SWFRS meeting at the authority’s headquarters in Llantrisant next Monday, April 29.