WE all know local authorities are facing difficult decisions on cutting services because of government budget reductions.

Changes in almost any areas are likely to bring complaints from the public and councils therefore have to focus on the least unacceptable places so that detrimental effects on everyday life are minimised.

But when it comes to the professionals we rely on when we have to dial 999, things are very different.

The fire and rescue service is a case in point.

More than 10% of the county brigade’s £60million budget is set to go because of grant reductions, and this will mean jobs because they make up the overwhelming majority of money spent.

First targets are likely to be fire safety posts carrying out the preventative work which is aimed at lowering the worryingly large number of call-outs.

Any large organisation should be able to make savings without hitting the front line but former fireman and fire authority chairman Bob Wilkinson of Rossendale says there are real dangers in cutting so deep and fast.

His warning should be heeded because fire is a matter of life and death.