A NEW £2 million fire station for Hyndburn could be on the cards after the scheme won the backing of the Home Office.

The plans for the new four-bay station in Church have been awarded Pathfinder Status under the controversial Private Finance Initiative.

The aim is to replace the ageing stations at Oswaldtwistle and Accrington with a station close to the centre of Hyndburn's road network.

Fire chiefs have been calling for a new station in Accrington for more than 20 years.

They claim the building in Manchester Road is in a poor condition and maintenance costs will continue to soar each year.

The closure of the Oswaldtwistle station will also save about £70,000 a year in running costs. Local councillors and residents are opposed to the move, but the scheme has been added to a list of priority projects by the recently-formed Combined Fire Authority.

Objectors claim the new site on Hyndburn Road would be inconvenient and congested, making it difficult for fire crews to get to emergencies.

The authority is looking at making major budget cuts next year, but they still see the project as a priority.

The scheme is in eighth position in a list of schemes needing urgent action.

Pathfinder Status means the project is in line for £70,000-worth of government grants. The money would be used to bring in consultants to look at the viability of the project.

The aim is to get private firms to invest in the scheme by offering them incentives.

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