A MAJOR row flared over moves to cut retained fire services in East Lancashire when a petition with 3,500 signatures was handed over to county council leaders.

Cost cutting plans to axe fire engines in Pendle could put lives at risk across East Lancashire, according to Liberal Democrats.

And opponents say moves to cut the number of retained fire engines in Colne and Barnoldswick could have fatal consequences.

But Labour have hit back at the claims and accused Liberal Democrats of scaremongering to whip up opposition to the ruling group.

Liberal Democrats believe the Fire Brigade's resources in the areas surrounding Burnley are already stretched to breaking point.

Pendle councillor David Whipp sparked off the row when he presented a petition with over 3,500 signatures at a full meeting of Lancashire County Council.

A campaign has been organised in response to plans to axe five retained fire engines in the region. The cutbacks would also affect crews at Earby, Clitheroe, Great Harwood, Haslingden, Bacup, Rawtenstall and Accrington.

Councillor Whipp said: "There is a lot of concern among local people and there have been several public meetings about the situation.

"There is no way that these cuts will not affect the speed of turn-out and the level of services in the area."

Councillor Whipp added: "There was a major incident in Burnley this May and appliances were called in from across the area.

"Services were stretched to the limit and if we had two incidents at the same time it would be difficult to see how the service could cope.

"On a local level there is also a lot of concern in the Pendle area about the level of services."

The councillor went on: "If response times are increased then surely lives will be put at risk, not only for the public but also for members of the fire service.

"We have got a very strong case against the cuts and we can only hope that the people in power will sit up and listen to us."

The ruling Labour group on Lancashire County Council has accused the Liberals of scaremongering over the issue.

A spokesman for the group said: "The fire service provision in Lancashire is laid down by Government legislation.

"The people of Lancashire can be proud of the service we provide; we should also be proud of the record of the Fire Brigade in Lancashire.

"It is the Government's failures with proper funding that has led to the need to review the service."

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