Fire Service Cuts - Update

8.14.34am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 27th Aug 2006

Pendle's Liberal Democrat Councillors have passed a resolution this week, requiring that a Council committee draw up plans to oppose cuts in the area's fire service.

The full motion reads as follows:

"This Council compliments Lancashire's Fire and Rescue Service on the

response to recent moor fires in Pendle and notes the severe strain

which the incident imposed on fire crews in the county.

"This authority regrets that Lancashire's Combined Fire Authority is

pressing ahead with consultation on options to cut fire engines and

crews in Barnoldswick, Colne and Earby together with options to close

Barnoldswick and Earby Fire Stations. Council notes that the area

affected has a growing population with very active manufacturing and

retail sectors.

"Council expresses its grave concern at the impact such cuts would have

with increased risks to residents, workers, visitors and fire themselves and

themselvesand resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the Fire

Authority stating this Council's absolute opposition to such reductions.

"Council further resolves that the Overview and Scrutiny team

investigate the Fire Authority's proposals and draw up a detailed case

opposing in fire cuts infire crews, engines and stations."