Residents of South Tewksbury received some good news Wednesday, when Fire Chief Mike Hazel announced that the hourds of operation for the South Station would be extended later this month.

Speaking at the first of three Neighborhood Meetings, hosted by Town Mananger Richard Montuori, Hazel was unable to provide specific hours that the station would be open. However, he did say it would be well over 50 percent of the time.

Presently, the station is open less than half the time due to staffing shortages and budget cuts.

Hazel said the department recenty hired three new firefighters to replace vacancies created by retirements.He said the three me will start on the job Nov. 14.

"Once they start, that will bring us to full staffing," he said. "We'll have all four shifts fully staffed and that will allow us to have South Station open more often."

Hazel said he hopes this is a step toard eventually having all three stations opened full-time.