A TOP-level meeting could decide the fate of Accrington's part-time fire crew next week.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope is launching a last-ditch bid to save the town's retained crew and engine.

He will meet recently-installed Home Office minister Mike O'Brien about plans to axe the crew and cut Accrington's cover to two engines.

The plans are part of a cost-cutting exercise by the county's Combined Fire Authority and firefighters have already been waiting months to discover their fate.

The Home Office pledged to look into the issue following an outcry about the proposals from Fire Brigade Union bosses and asked Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Fire Services to comment on the safety implications of the cuts.

Mr Pope has already led a delegation to save the part-time crew, discussing the matter with former minister George Howarth in April. Now Mr Howarth has been replaced in the Government's summer reshuffle, Mr Pope is hoping the new minister will be sympathetic towards the firefighters.

He will meet Mr O'Brien on Monday and a final decision is expected to made shortly afterwards.

Mr Pope said: "I'm delighted Mike has given me the opportunity to again put our case for retaining Accrington's third engine.

"I have always believed our firefighters have a strong case and I will back them one hundred per cent.

"There are compelling reasons why the pump should be retained, not least the number of chemical factories in the area.

"The crew themselves represent a massive investment in training and skills that the fire service can ill afford to lose.

"They provide incredible value for money when you consider that they make 150 call-outs per year and yet the proposed saving is only £40,000."

The fire authority's plan also includes proposals to cut part-time fire crews in Leyland and Lancaster.

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