PENDLE Council is considering taking fire bosses to court over their decision to axe one of Barnoldswick's retained crews.

Following the decision by Lancashire Combined Fire Authority to strip one of the two crews in the town, the council's executive has voted to investigate mounting a judicial review.

Around 18 part-time firefighters are now facing redundancy or a cut in their hours.

Coun David Whipp, executive member for resources, raised the issue in a motion at a council meeting which was backed by colleagues.

He claimed the decision was wrong because it ignored petitions signed by more than 6,000 residents and it lacked consultation.

Coun Whipp said: "The way this has been handled by the fire authority lays them wide open to challenge.

"The sensible thing for them to do is reopen the issue and have an open discussion on the facts.

As well as looking into whether the fire authority has a legal case to answer, Pendle Council is to also seek the support of Hyndburn Council after the fire authority decided to cut one of the two retained crews in Great Harwood.

Fire bosses said the cuts were necessary because of a lack of work for crews and there was a greater need to provide fire prevention advice.

As reported in Tuesday's Lancashire Telegraph chief fire officer, Peter Holland, reassured people about the cuts saying he would not support anything that would endanger lives.