LEYLAND'S firefighters are still waiting to hear their fate - nearly five months after a decision was supposed to be taken.

The anxious part-timers' futures still hang in the balance, despite being told that the government would decide if they were to be axed back in April.

Their future is currently in the Home office's hands after Lancashire's Fire Authority decided to scrap the posts in January as part of a cost-cutting exercise - prompting protests from councillors and residents, who fear the reduced service will cost lives.

South Ribble MP David Borrow is under the impression that the firemen will be left waiting for some time.

He revealed: "During the latest cabinet re-shuffle, the Home Office minister was changed, with George Howarth moving to the Northern Ireland office and Michael Bryan taking over his role in the Home Office.

"I had spoken to Mr Howarth on several occasions, both formally and informally, and I have now taken the opportunity to write to Mr Bryan informing him of our progress so he knows where we are.

"The last thing we want is for a hurried decision to be made."

He added: "At least if the decision takes longer, we are getting the present level of cover for longer, and hopefully it will remain for good."

Under the controversial plans, Leyland will lose its part-time firefighters, who currently cover nights and weekends. Instead, Leyland will be covered by the retained firefighters at Bamber Bridge fire station.

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