CAMPAIGNERS have given a cautious welcome to a Home Office decision to delay cutbacks in part-time firefighters and engines in the county.

Lancashire's Combined Fire Authority voted to cut crews and engines at Accrington, Leyland and Lancaster to save money.

But after meeting a delegation of MPs, including Hyndburn's Greg Pope, Home Office minister George Haworth has agreed to put the proposals on ice while a government official from Her Majesty's Inspectors of Fire Services assesses the proposed cuts.

Tony Harris, Fire Brigades' Union secretary, said: "We welcome the review and it vindicates what we have been saying all along.

"I intend to make submissions to the Home Office on behalf of the three crews.

"In the light of this decision I will also be asking for an opportunity to meet the government inspectors."

Hyndburn Tory group leader councillor Peter Britcliffe said: "I hope our county councillors support the campaign to save the crews because it's very important this matter is not just swept under the carpet."

Hyndburn Labour council leader George Slynn, who is also a county councillor, said: "This issue deserves the most careful consideration and I welcome the news that it will have further scrutiny."

County councillor Bob Clark, chairman of the CFA, said: "We would hope to have a final decision from the Home Office by the end of April."

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