COUNCILLORS in Evesham and Broadway are urging people to fight changes that would see the area lose at least one fire engine.

At a meeting last week, Evesham town councillors said they didn’t want to see any of the proposals – which could see either retained fire fighters and an engine in the town removed or the closure of Broadway’s retained fire unit – to go ahead.

But they acknowledged that change was needed, adding that if the proposals – part of the Community Risk Management Plan – must go ahead they would not want to lose the engine in Evesham.

Coun Alan Booth said: “The area is prone to flooding and they have a boat station down there, which is very well used in heavy weather.

“Had this been in force in 1998 and 2007 the town would have faced great difficulties.

I know it’s hard but I don’t want to see them close it.

“The closure of Broadway will impact on our station also. Worcestershire is very underfunded.

“I would like to see no change whatsoever.”

Coun Gerry O’Donnell said: “I suppose doing nothing is not an option, much as we would like to see that.

“I do agree that we should not move an engine and I know that will affect Broadway but we can’t deny the facts and figures that support this.

“We need to look at this very carefully and look at the evidence – and that suggests we should keep the Evesham complement as it is.”

Meanwhile in Broadway, firefighters have been campaigning against the changes for weeks.

One villager, Peter Reading, is calling for the consultation period, due to end on Friday, January 10, to be extended.

The former fire authority worker told the parish council that there were other ways to save money and received their support in appealing the length of the consultation.

A public meeting will be held at the Lygon Arms in the village on Wednesday, January 8, at 7pm, where residents can meet with the fire authority to discuss their concerns.

To have your say, visit hwfire.org.uk/consultation or contact your parish clerk for more details.