THERE are just over three weeks left to have your say on the future of the fire service that will see cuts to front-line staff.

The public consultation on Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s draft Community Risk Management Plan ends on January 10.

The proposals include significant changes to the service in order to save about £2 million on frontline operations.

Overall, about 140 jobs are at risk, and in Worcester it could mean losing one of the station’s two full-time fire engine crews, leaving only a single fulltime crew as a first instance response.

Councillor Derek Prodger, chairman of Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority, said: “The Fire Authority is facing a very challenging financial position over the next few years and clearly recognises that difficult decisions have to be taken in the future.

“Since 2010/11, £2.5 million of savings have been made without affecting the service that communities receive from their local fire stations, but the £4.7 million is an additional saving requirement.

“It is anticipated that approximately £2.7m of the additional savings can be found from further changes to back office and support functions.

“However, the scale of the savings required will inevitably mean some changes to the frontline.” .

Responses from the official consultation questionnaire will be collated into a report which will go before the Fire Authority on February 19 next year.

Proposals can be read in full at hwfire.org.uk/consultation where an online questionnaire can also be completed.