Union leaders condemn plans to cut fire services
Union leaders have condemned plans to cut fire services across North Yorkshire, saying it could leave the public at risk.
Union leaders have condemned plans to cut fire services across North Yorkshire, saying it could leave the public at risk.
Six stations across the region, including Northallerton, could see fire engines replaced with smaller vehicles with less equipment and water.
Proposals also suggesting cutting full-time firefighters, meaning stations will need to rely on retained firefighters, who can have other jobs.
The plans come as North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service try to save ÂŁ1.2million from the budget.
Steve Howley from the Fire Brigades Union said: "If you have a house fire in Northallerton at the minute, you dial 999 and you get a fully-equipped fire engine turning up on your door within five minutes.
"In the future you're either going to get a fully-equipped fire engine turning up within 10-15 minutes, or you're going to get two firefighters in a van with very little in way of equipment or water."
People can have their say at public consultations on the cuts until October.
Drop-in sessions will be held at Northallerton Town Hall on August and September 3 between 3pm and 7pm.