CONCERN was growing last night over shock plans to axe 200 firefighter jobs – and shut Marsden fire station.
Fire chiefs surprised councillors and the public with news of a plan to save £12m by shutting a total of six stations in West Yorkshire.
The brigade insists improved safety measures mean there can be fewer frontline firefighters.
But the proposal to close Marsden’s long-established station – run by retained firefighters from the village – has stunned many people.
Former fire authority chairman Clr David Ridgway, now Mayor of Kirklees, branded the plan as “dangerous”.
“I’m really disappointed to hear about this,” said the Colne Valley Lib Dem.
“The result of this proposal will potentially put people’s lives at risk.”
Another plan will see fire engines taken from stations.
