SOUTH Ribble Borough Council is demanding to know what is being done to ensure the area's fire cover isn't put in jeopardy when Leyland's part-time firefighters are axed in April.

Fire chiefs say the area will be adequately covered by a part-time fire crew based at the station in Bamber Bridge when Leyland's retained firefighters, with 123 years service between them, are made redundant in April.

But the council says Bamber Bridge's retained fire pump isn't a viable alternative as there is a shortage of staff to man it.

Coun Lewis said: "Letters have been sent to the chief fire officer, Mr Russel, and George Howarth, at the home office, supporting letters sent from David Borrow and councillors. There is some difficulty in staffing the retained tender."

A spokesman for Bamber Bridge fire station said a recruitment campaign had been launched to attract more part-time firefighters.

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