South Yorkshire firefighters lobby MPs over service cuts
Fire crews in South Yorkshire have lobbied MPs at the House of Commons over proposed budget cuts to its service.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is planning to cut 140 jobs and close several fire stations in a bid to save £10 million.
BBC News has revealed that firefighters expressed their disdain about the proposals to a number of politicians, including Labour's Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis and deputy prime minister Nick Clegg.
John Gilliver, of the Fire Brigades Union, claimed that the cuts would "clearly increase risk" to both members of the public and fire safety officers.
"All the MPs shared our views that cuts should not be affecting members of the public. These are not the right cuts to have," he told the news provider.
The consultation on the proposals is due to end next week (6th February) and the service is due to make the final decision soon afterwards.
Posted by Ryan Stevens
