Proposals to salvage a community emergency service from the planned closure of Haworth Fire Station have received public backing.

At least 50 people attended a meeting to help decide the future of the village’s fire service.

Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council chairman, Councillor John Huxley, said: “We can’t just sit here and let them close the fire station – that is just wrong.”

Fire chiefs last year recommended the closure of the retained station in a cost-cutting programme, but put the closure on hold for two years after consultation.

Coun Huxley said public approval was sought for community-run fire provision with volunteers operating from the station on Station Road.

Retired firefighter Joe O’Keeffe said people’s energies would be better spent on fighting for what they already have.

“Nobody will sanction a voluntary fireman putting on breathing apparatus and going into a burning house to rescue someone,” he warned.

“You will end up with a Land Rover squirting water into the building until the real firefighters turn up.”

A show of hands at the meeting indicated support for the formation of a group to conduct a feasibility study into launching a ‘First Responder-style’ community emergency service, to be brought before the public no later than December 1.