NORTON - Fire Chief Richard Gomes says the town should build a $200,000 unmanned fire station at the Winnecunnet station site on Bay Road because the old station is too small and is falling down.

The new facility would provide storage for almost all six or seven Norton fire trucks stored outside because there isn't enough space, Gomes told selectmen. Firefighters also could respond to calls from there.

Those vehicles are deteriorating and are at risk of being stolen by being outside, Gomes said.

"You're replacing equipment that would've lasted a heck of a lot longer if it had been brought inside," Gomes said.

And, he added, "It doesn't make sense to dig a vehicle out of a blizzard that was meant to respond to a blizzard." Gomes suggested the Winnecunnet project while updating selectmen on the condition of Norton's five fire stations.

Selectmen and the finance committee will soon tour the facilities.

"You're looking at $200,000. It's a lot of money, but it's a managable amount," Selectmen Chairwoman Mary Steele said.

"That Bay Road (station) is just a disaster."

Gomes said the new Winnecunnet station would give Norton "four pretty good, usable buildings" for its fire department.

Meanwhile, a century-old wooden garage/shed at the rear of the Chartley station continues to fall apart, Gomes said.

The town's hovercraft, used for ice repairs, is stored there during the summer, and its fire boat is stored there during the winter.

Gomes said he has heard repair estimates of $12,000 to $15,000 for that building.

"I don't want to throw good money after bad for a 100-year-old building," Gomes said.

Seed money is available for the Winnecunnet building project, Gomes said. A Bristol County grant that Norton received several years ago might support any work on that site, he said.

The Lake Winnecunnet Association also has given Norton several hundred dollars.