Threatened Shropshire fire stations face reprieve
A fire service says it has scrapped recommendations to close four fire stations because it has found "better ways of saving money".
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service needs to make cuts of up to £1.7m by 2020.
The service had considered the closure of four rural fire stations at Baschurch, Clun, Hodnet and Prees.
However, Andy Johnson, from the fire service, said the closures were not being considered "at this stage".
'Increased travel times'
Mr Johnson, the assistant chief fire officer, said alternative recommendations to the closures had been put forward and, if approved, would go before a fire authority meeting on 26 February.
They would then go out to public consultation.
Mr Johnson said: "It's very important we make the right decisions.
"Concern has been registered by vast members of the public to save these on-call fire stations.
"The impact, if you look at closing our on-call stations in rural areas, is increased travel times and responses to emergency incidents.
"The fire authority have to balance all of that when they are making their decisions."
Other options include removing a full-time fire engine from the Shrewsbury or Telford area.
The service has seen a 10% cut in firefighters and support staff and a 25% reduction in senior officers since 2009.