CONCERNS have been raised following suggestions that a fire engine could be lost which will halve cover in parts of north Lancashire.

The Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce has begun a campaign over the proposed removal of an appliance from Lancaster Fire Station, which could be implemented within three years.

A spokesman for the chamber explained that both the Fire Brigade Union and serving firefighters have also raised concerns over the idea.

“As a chamber we support all of our local businesses and it is vital that we rally to try and prevent the fire appliance from being removed,” he added.

It is believed Lancaster has the largest station area in Lancashire.

It acts as support or second attendance for Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth and Caton, among other places.

It also covers along the coast into Silverdale as a ‘sand and river specialist rescue’ service, while a 28-mile stretch of the M6 also falls under its remit.

The campaign has had support from local businesses.

Aaron Crewe, director of SEO 24/7 based at Lancaster University, said: “If the number of fire appliances in the area is reduced, then in the unfortunate event that there are two or more incidents in different locations, resources would be stretched, putting lives at risk.”

To lend support to the campaign, a petition can be signed at epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59279