MORE than 1,500 people have signed a petition to stop the closure of Bewdley Fire Station after the firefighters' union said lives could be put at risk.

Campaigners held a stall in the town centre on Saturday (July 20) to fight plans to close the Dog Lane station when Wyre Forest's fire crews are centralised at a new £7.6 million emergency services hub in Kidderminster later this year.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) says evidence used in 2015 to support Hereford and Worcester Fire Service's proposal to relocate services is now "out of date" as the number of fire engines available overnight has dropped, while the number of incidents attended has increased.

A petition against Bewdley Station's closure reached more than 1,500 signatures in its first six days.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Stephen Brown, spokesman for Wyre Forest Labour, said: "We hope Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is listening.

"The overriding message from local people and those across Wyre Forest is keep the Fire Station open.

"Bewdley has a great community spirit and those in charge of the fire service should properly take note of their message. They ignore it at their peril."

A public meeting will be held at St George's Hall on Wednesday, August 21 at 7.30pm, after a protest outside the fire station at 7pm.

The fire service says the new hub will continue to provide effective fire cover in a "more sustainable and cost-effective way than at present".