NORTON Town Council has raised concerns over proposed changes to the fire service.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue is currently running a consultation on proposals which could see the number of firefighters at Malton Fire Station reduced by half as part of ongoing discussions which started last year.

The station, which currently has 12 firefighters, could see the day-crewed fire engine replaced with one tactical response vehicle (TRV) or one which is crewed by a mixture of both day and retained staff. The smaller TRV vehicle would be manned by fewer staff if the proposals are approved as part of the review.

Mayor Councillor Ray King said the figures in the consultation pointed to a drastic fall in the number of call-out due to better fire safety advice and smoke alarms.

"My concern is that both Norton and Malton are growing in size substantially and if the service is decreased now there is no way it will be increased when we get all the new houses on board," he said.

Councillor David Lloyd-Williams said that while he had sympathy with the fire crews the proposals were part of a general cutback in services.

"The local authorities, police and fire are all suffering cutbacks, however I am confident North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue is on top of things and will do their best to maintain the best possible service," he said.

"It is a regrettable situation, especially with a growing population, but I am not sure what else they can do."

Councillor Di Keal said she shared the concerns about the increase in numbers of people living in both towns and also those living in rural areas who would be affected.

"The fire service's rescue aspect will go by they wayside as well, which is worrying," she said.

"What will happen if we have another flooding situation - during the last floods firecrews were working 24/7 to protect people's property."

Councillor Keal said: "Once we lose the service we will not get it back - I do not agree with it at all."

Councillors agreed to invite officers from Malton fire station along with members of Malton Town Council to their next meeting to answer concerns.

The consultation runs until October 16.

A drop-in event will be held tomorrow (Thursday) from 3pm to 7pm, at the Milton Rooms in Malton.

For more information, go to northyorksfire.gov.uk/news-events/public-consultations