MORE than 3,000 people in Great Harwood have called for a fire engine in the town to be saved from the axe.

The Lancashire Combined Fire Authority has prompted outrage after it recommended cutting engines at Great Harwood, Haslingden and Barnoldswick as part of a service review.

Pumps in Accrington and Colne are also under threat.

Now firefighters in the town, which has a population of just 22,000, have collected a petition against the plans.

Under the current review stations in the area have been put into rank order, showing where the minimum impact of loss would be felt.

The Great Harwood and Barnoldswick pumps are ranked second and third, making them almost certain to be withdrawn.

Jack Anderson, Great Harwood watch manager, said: "Great Harwood's second pump goes out more times than many of those at other stations.

"If they are talking about having a better service, cutting pumps is not the answer."

He also pointed to the fact that the two pumps in Great Harwood do not cover just the immediate vicinity but also into Whalley, Billington, Langho, Brockhall village and parts of Wilpshire.

MP Greg Pope, whose constituency would be directly affected has already voiced concerns in the Commons.

He said: "I strongly believe we should keep the retained engines. The fire stations are interdependent, they do not just cover their own area. Quite often the Great Harwood engine will be called elsewhere, like Accrington, when its crews are busy."