COMMUNITY leaders say they are hopeful a town's night-time fire cover will not be downgraded.

Fire chiefs have told councillors they will look again at plans to swap one of Harrogate's two full-time night duty crews with part-time retained firefighters.

Residents feared the move would leave the town with dangerously reduced cover.

Councillors David Simister and Fred Willis met senior firefighters yesterday, after tabling a special motion at a council meeting calling on the fire authority to rethink the proposal.

Coun Simister said Harrogate was the biggest town in North Yorkshire and it was unthinkable that night-time cover could be reduced.

"I am pleased that fire chiefs have listened to the concerns of local residents and acted on the proposals Coun Willis and myself put forward," he said.

Coun Willis said: "We felt that one full-time crew was totally inadequate for a population of 75,000 people and so did the public.

"We received countless complaints and decided to confront the decision makers head on."

Council leader, Coun Mike Gardner also attended yesterday's meeting.

He welcomed the opportunity to consult with senior firefighters and said he was pleased night-time cover was being reconsidered.

A fire authority meeting to discuss the issue will be held next month.