A DECISION to push forward with cuts to frontline fire services across Cleveland is expected today.

Councillors at a fire authority meeting will discuss reducing services that could see 66 fewer emergency response posts, the closure of the Marine fire station at Middlesbrough from midnight to noon, the axing of one of two high reach aerial appliances as well as reduced crews on appliances at two fire stations.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is urging Cleveland councillors to think again in the wake of the major fire at the Billingham chemical plant yesterday.

The blast, which was heard up to 20 miles away, was declared a "major emergency" with 10 fire appliances in attendance.

Local fire crews have made clear their opposition to the cuts.