PROPOSALS to close five fire stations in Cumbria have been scrapped in a dramatic council u-turn.

Cumbria County Council's cabinet met this morning, with the multi-million pound budget cuts at the top of the agenda. Protesters from Lazonby fire station - one of those under threat of closure - were at the meeting to hear the good news.

Councillor Barry Doughty, cabinet member with responsibility for the fire service, put forward the proposal to make no alterations to the service.

Speaking at the meeting in Carlisle, Dalton-based Labour councillor Barry Doughty, who holds the authority's brief for fire and rescue, said: "Following the recent floods and also, the announcement by Theresa May MP regarding the movement of government responsibilities relating to fire and rescue services from the Department of Communities and Local Government to the Home Office, I am recommending that now is not the right time to consider these closures given the uncertainties ahead.

"To be clear, I am therefore recommending that the closures of four stations, the relocation of the Walney on-call fire engine to Barrow fire station and the removal of the second on-call fire engine from Maryport will not be taken forward."

The recommendation was approved - although councillors warned the savings would still need to be found.

Fire Brigade Union rep Tony Callister was speechless when he heard the news.

Mr Callister said: "Blimey. I didn't expect that news at all. I'm speechless. This is great news for the guys on Walney and the people of Walney."

The proposals would have seen the closure of five part-time fire stations across Cumbria, including Walney. It had been estimated their closure would produce annual savings of £438,000, with a further one-off cash boost of £365,000 generated from the sale of the buildings. 

Walney crew manager Mike Wilkinson said he had felt "massive relief" on hearing the news.

He added: "Thankfully they have made the right decision."

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said: “There will be widespread relief that Cumbria County Council has taken the right decision over this issue and credit is due to the councillors who have listened to the concerns of residents and to campaigners who have fought to keep the station open. 

“Government spending cuts are hitting public services on an unprecedented scale which is presenting local authorities with very difficult choices. 

“But safety from fire is non-negotiable and the incredible efforts of Cumbria firefighters during the flooding has highlighted the essential role they play in our community.”

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