HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope has joined the fight against plans to reduce the number of firefighters in his constituency.

The MP, who has already visited crews at Haslingden Fire Station, which is facing closure, met crew members in Accrington to listen to concerns.

In Accrington the retained crew, which was installed after the closure of the Oswaldtwistle station two years ago, is facing the chop and in Great Harwood a further engine could be lost.

The axe is looming for the fire crews as part of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Review.

Mr Pope said: "The proposal is to reduce the number of firefighters in Hyndburn and I am glad I have had the chance to meet the people who are the experts on the subject.

"I am not saying that we should always defend the status quo but the proposals effectively halve the number of fire engines available to my constituents.

"I am not convinced that reducing firefighters in Hyndburn is the correct way forward."

Gary Drinkwater, the watch manager of Accrington's retained unit, said the meeting with Greg Pope had been "very encouraging. We do not want to see any changes brought in in Accrington. Any reduction in cover will seriously compromise local people's safety."

Mr Drinkwater said it is now important that local residents voiced their concerns by taking part in the public consultation currently being carried out by the fire service. Questionnaires are available in many public buildings.

The proposals follow a study of call-outs over the past three years, which identified areas which had "too much" cover.

Firefighters have said that the proposals could cost lives.

The plan to axe Accrington's retained crew has angered Hyndburn Council leader, Coun Peter Britcliffe.

When Accrington's new fire station in Hyndburn Road, Church, opened a couple of years ago, it led to the closure of Oswaldtwistle retained station.

But, as a concession, bosses kept on Oswaldtwistle's retained unit at the new station and now that team could be lost. Coun Britcliffe said: "It seems like a big con job to me.

"Obviously they weren't sincere on the concession over Oswaldtwistle fire station."

Steve Harman, secretary of the Lancashire Fire Brigade Union, said: "We will review the options when they are put forward for consultation, but we will be concerned if we don't see a benefit. There has to be a reason or we will oppose it."

The plan put to the Lancashire Fire Authority is to: l Axe the retained crews at Accrington and Haslingden.

l Axe one of the two retained crews at Padiham, Great Harwood, Barnoldswick and Colne.

l Close Haslingden fire station with no replacement and calls being mainly handled by Rawtenstall station.

l Close Earby and Barnoldswick stations and build just one replacement.