PROPOSED cuts to the staffing at Malvern's fire station have been reversed - but against a background of continued discontent by fire crews.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority on Wednesday agreed a proposal that would mean the fire station on Worcester Road will have one engine staffed with a crew of five full-time firefighters 24 hours a day, and another crewed by retained firefighters who will be available to answer calls around the clock.

In his report to the meeting, chief fire officer Nathan Travis reported that that the proposed cuts to cover in Malvern had been a ‘major issue’ raised during consultations with unions, district and parish councils and members of the public.

Earlier this year hundreds of people signed a petition against a proposed cut in staffing at Malvern Fire station from 12 to five.

It would have meant that there would not be a full-time crew at the station outside ‘office’ hours, with cover at night being provided by retained firefighters.

However, the Fire Brigades Union says that firefighters may go on strike after being required to sign new contracts as part of the deal.

The union feels the move by the fire service to ‘sack and offer re-engagement’ will see members offered inferior terms and station work hours increased from 35 to 42 hours.

District councillor Sarah Rouse, who has been campaigning to retain the staffing at Malvern, said: "Naturally, we are delighted that the authority has decided that the malvern station should be properly manned. That's what we have been campaigning for.

"But I'm disappointed about the bigger picture, that the fire authority has imposed the new contracts on crews.

"It would have been preferable if the authority had continued negotiations, instead of forcing a decision on the members."

Duncan Bridges, director of Malvern Hills Trust - formerly the Conservators - said: "It's good news that the proposed cuts to staffing at Malvern will be reversed. Our concern was that the cuts would compromise the station's rope access and water access teams, and the station's ability to respond to fires on the hills and commons."