FIREFIGHTERS and residents turned out in force to protest against cost-cutting plans to close five fire stations in Cumbria.

Dozens of demonstrators descended on Kendal’s County Hall ahead of Cumbria County Council’s (CCC) full authority meeting.

Campaigners said they were there to tell councillors that plans to shut the stations, including in Arnside and Staveley, would ‘put lives at risk’.

Staveley Watch Manager Clive Johnson said the loss of its retained crew would have a ‘big impact’ on the village and surrounding area.

“In 2015 our incidents increased, not just due to flooding but because of the support and cover we give to Kendal and Burneside,” he said.

“The powers that be may not show that on their figures but from the figures we keep ourselves, Kendal and Windermere need us.”

Staveley resident Mel Connell attended the protest to voice her displeasure at the proposals, and said: “This service keeps us safe and it is absolutely crucial, not just in terms of extreme things happening but the way they back up and work with other areas.”

A Lancaster firefighter, who did not wish to be named, said: “We’re here to support Cumbria’s retained firefighters because we’re concerned about response times.

“We are attending more incidents and to be cutting more firefighters is putting people’s lives at risk.”

At the meeting a petition was handed over with 5,077 signatures protesting the closure of Lazonby fire station, in the Eden valley, and a further 2,878 against the closure of Arnside station.

Responding to the protest, CCC’s cabinet member for Fire and Rescue Barry Doughty said the authority needed to slash £55m from its budget over the next two years due to ‘continuing significant cuts from government’.

“This financial pressure will continue to affect all frontline services,” he told the chamber.

“"We will still have 33 stations, 39 engines and well-trained, well-equipped personnel dealing with emergencies.

“The emergency response is important but the best way to prevent these incidents is through proactive community fire safety.”

The consultation closes tomorrow (Friday). A decision will be made next month.

L This week The Westmorland Gazette has sent a letter and submitted coupons from readers to Cllr Doughty as part of our ‘Save Our Fire Stations’ campaign.