LANCASTER'S threatened retained fire fighters hailed their meeting with junior government minister George Howarth a success this week.
The minister reckoned he could give no indication whatsoever of when he will make his final decision - but he did promise he would seriously consider a report by his inspector.
"He told us that he had changed a decision elsewhere and kept retained fire fighters on - that gave us real hope," said campaigning fire fighter Chris Horner. "It's on the internet page on the fire service that the government don't want to cut retained because it doesn't really save them any money anyway. All of us felt like we had a real chance afterwards."
George Howarth said his inspectorate would ascertain whether it would be safe to cut the crew and he would base his decision on that.
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