HOME Secretary Jack Straw has set fire chiefs tough targets for saving money - nearly £1 million over two years in the case of Lancashire's brigade.

It looks certain that he will spare part-time firemen from the axe.

And as the brigade won't risk lives by cutting crews or sending only one fire engine to blazing buildings against the two they send now, the only other area for cuts are in the firemen's conditions of service - shift times, holidays and so forth. Even then, the brigade is unlikely to save the £875,000 that Mr Straw wants.

If it comes down to people's lives and property being endangered, then the Home Secretary must re-think fast. When we dial 999, we expect a proper response straight away. That comes before any balance-sheet.

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