CONCERN is growing over plans to cut fire cover in a North Yorkshire town.

The North Yorkshire Fire Authority is proposing to staff one of Harrogate's two fire engines with a part-time retained crew at night, rather than full-timers.

Residents and community leaders fear the move would leave the town with dangerously reduced cover.

Harrogate borough councillors Fred Willis and David Simister are calling on the council to discuss the issue when it meets on February 9, after declaring the plan "potentially life-threatening".

Coun Willis said: "Harrogate is the largest town in North Yorkshire with a population of 75,000 people.

"A town this size needs two full-time crews.

"I'm not criticising part-time firefighters in any way - they do a fabulous job.

"But with fires, minutes cost lives and even with the best will in the world getting to the fire station in an emergency is not easy."

MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough Phil Willis has written to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service chief officer Eric Clark expressing concern about the proposal.

In a letter to the MP, Mr Clark said: "There is no question of the fire authority putting the citizens of Harrogate at risk."

A public consultation on the plan is now under way and ends on February 2.

The issue will go before the fire authority for a decision on February 14.