A FIRE service chief has denied any secret plans to axe Holmfirth and Skelmanthorpe fire stations.

Both stations are currently staffed by full-time firefighters during office hours and by part-timers the rest of the time.

But now there is a plan to make both stations part-time.

Kevin Arbuthnot, West Yorkshire's Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said the stations were very quiet and had difficulty in attracting staff and maintaining the availability of appliances.

He added: "What is being proposed is to make the stations part-time and supplement operational cover with a special area support vehicle, which would be crewed by full-timers.

"This would help to maintain all the necessary operational cover, but release resources, which are needed for vital lifesaving work in high-risk areas."

Mr Arbuthnot said the proposed changes were part of a new service improvement plan, which would bring many changes across West Yorkshire over the next five years.

"It has been acknowledged that something had to be done in Holmfirth and Skelmanthorpe for some time," he said.

"Our new risk-managed approach to fire cover is about having the right resources in the right place at the right time.

"There are areas which need extra help, and others which objective statistical analysis and professional judgement lead us to believe have more than, or the wrong type, of cover.

"The plan is an open book. The only proposals are those clearly spelled out in black and white for all to see."

The plan will be published for consultation on Wednesday. People can ask for a copy and be guided through the consultation process via a special hotline on 01274 655717.

Copies will also be available on the fire authority's website, www.westyorksfire.gov.uk

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