A BOLTON MP has questioned rumours about fire station closures in the House of Commons.

Sir David Crausby, MP for Bolton North, asked a Home Office Minister about the possibility that six stations could be closed and eight fire engines lost.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service continues to stress that no decisions have been made yet and a business case has not been finalised.

Sir David asked whether ministers had had meetings with members of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) to discuss changes.

Rt Hon Nick Hurd responded to Sir David. He said: "Ministers have not had any recent meetings with representatives of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and we are not aware of proposals to reduce the number of fire stations and engines in the city region.”

Sir David said: “It’s not very reassuring for the Minister responsible for the Fire Service to be unaware of plans that have been reported in the press. I am grateful to the chief fire officer for reaching out and agreeing to discuss my concerns in a few weeks’ time."

Rumours of fire station closures and reductions in fire engines were sparked after a meeting between trade union and fire service representatives.

Chief Fire Officer Jim Wallace said: “No final decisions have been made on what the future of GMFRS will look like, but we are currently finalising a range of options which will go into a business case."

Sir David has started a petition to oppose reduction in the service. Visit davidcrausby.co.uk to sign it.