A HASLINGDEN firefighter has urged bosses to think re-think controversial cuts after one of the busiest weeks he has ever known.

Crew manager Andy Coulton has been part of a 100-strong crew trying to put out a moorland fire at Laneshawbridge, near Colne, which has raged for four days.

But many of the retained firefighters working at the site could be set for the chop as part of a fire service review.

And he revealed those not involved in the moorland fire provided essential cover for the stations out battling the blaze.

Mr Coulton said the proposed cuts would be a huge mistake.

He said: "After all the proposals were announced it has been absolutely horrendous with the amount of grass fires. I can't remember ever being this busy.

"It's all right saying you don't need fire engines at stations but at times like this they are a valuable resource. Most of the crews up there at Laneshawbridge were retained."

Under proposals by Lancashire Fire and Rescue the Haslingden station would close. And retained crews at Accrington, one of the two retained crews at Padiham, Great Harwood, Barnoldswick and Colne are to be axed.