Plans to close five fire stations in Cumbria, including Arnside, Staveley and Walney, have been scrapped in a dramatic council u-turn.
Cumbria County Council's cabinet met this morning, with the multi-million pound budget cuts at the top of the agenda.
It had been estimated their closure would make annual savings of £438,000.
Les Skarratts, secretary of the Fire Brigades Union in the north west, said: “The council have rightly recognised how vital firefighters are responding to major flooding emergencies. Firefighters are dealing with the impact of flooding more than ever and Cumbria is better served by having these stations remain open.
“This was an issue that the local community felt very strongly about. They have been on the receiving end of terrible flooding and were going to see the emergency service that helped them cut back even more.
“Although this is fantastic news for the people of Cumbria, the council have warned that the budget cuts will still need to be found elsewhere. We will continue to fight for our firefighters and for a world class service for the public.”
Cumbria was left devastated after storms Desmond, Frank and Eva caused major flooding throughout the county late last year and earlier in 2016.
Under the proposals, Lazonby & Frizington retained fire stations would also have closed, along with the removal of a fire engine from Maryport.
Fire Brigade Union rep Tony Callister was speechless when he heard the news. He said: "Blimey. I didn't expect that news at all. I'm speechless. This is great news for the guys on Walney and the people of Walney."
The proposals would have seen the closure of five part-time fire stations across Cumbria, including Walney. It had been estimated their closure would produce annual savings of £438,000, with a further one-off cash boost of £365,000 generated from the sale of the buildings.
Walney crew manager Mike Wilkinson said he had felt "massive relief" on hearing the news.
He added: "Thankfully they have made the right decision."
Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock organised a public meeting at Vickerstown Methodist Hall on January 22 for locals to make their voices heard about the threat to the fire station and he shared many of the concerns that were expressed.
Today Mr Woodcock said: “There will be widespread relief that Cumbria County Council has taken the right decision over this issue and credit is due to the councillors who have listened to the concerns of residents and to campaigners who have fought to keep the station open.
“Government spending cuts are hitting public services on an unprecedented scale which is presenting local authorities with very difficult choices.
“But safety from fire is non-negotiable and the incredible efforts of Cumbria firefighters during the flooding has highlighted the essential role they play in our community.”
South Walney county councillor Frank Cassidy said: “Council finances are being squeezed to the absolute limit by government cuts and I know there has been a lot of soul-searching by a lot of people over this issue.
“Everyone I spoke to on Walney and in Barrow said they wanted the fire station to stay open. The council has listened to everyone’s concerns and the right decision has been taken.
“But relentless government cuts to our budget still have to be grappled with and that means there will be other hard choices to be faced. There is no more meat left on the bone and other front-line services are vulnerable.”
South Lakes MP Tim Farron said: “I am hugely relieved that the County Council has decided not to press ahead with these cuts to local Fire Stations. It was clear that local people were completely against these cuts, and thankfully their voices were heard.
“I understand that the County Council is under significant pressure due to the cuts being imposed by central government, but these fire stations are hugely important for their areas and it is right that they should be protected.
“I’d like to thank in particular Cllr Ian Stewart, local Lib Dem campaigner Pete McSweeney, and Cllr Stan Collins for their hard work on this issue. They spoke to a huge number of local people, and fought hard to save their local fire stations.
“The government must also look again at the savage cuts to local government, which are set to continue over the next few years. Councils provide vital services such as these fire stations, and must be given the funding they need to run these effectively.”