AROUND 70 people turned out for a march through Bewdley on Saturday in protest against the impending closure of the town's fire station.

Work on the new £7million Wyre Forest Hub is nearing completion, meaning fire crews from Stourport, Bewdley and Kidderminster will soon be moved to Station Road.

Saturday's march was led by a specially-adapted fire engine, driven by Fire Brigades Union (FBU) representative Neil Bevan, and was joined by campaigners Rod Stanczyszyn, Stephen Brown and Corinne Bailey carrying a 'Save Our Fire Station' banner.

Starting from the leisure centre, crowds heard speeches from campaign leaders on the importance of keeping the fire station open.

The FBU says the closure of Bewdley Fire Station would increase response times and put people's lives at risk.

Wyre Forest Labour's Stephen Brown said: "We were immensely pleased with the support we got from the local community. People should feel justifiably proud that they took part and made their voices heard.

"Any tragedies arising from the decision to close Bewdley will rest firmly on the shoulders of those who made this decision."

A petition which has so far gained 2,600 signatures will be delivered to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service on October 15.

The fire service maintains there will be no reduction in the number of fire engines and says the new hub will allow emergency services to "co-operate more closely and effectively".