A SCHEME which has been credited for turning around the lives of scores of young people is at risk under fire service cuts.

Bolton Fire Station is a base for The Prince’s Trust, which helps to develop the skills of young people, with many going on to carve out a successful future.

Greater Manchester Combine Authority, headed up by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, has stressed there will be no compulsory redundancies of firefighters.

But no such assurances has been given to non-uniform staff, whose roles include carrying out fire prevention and youth engagement work, such as the Prince’s Trust link work.

Jonathan Cooper, Unison member at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said: “There are 160 of us left and he wants to take 123 of those jobs away. Who is going to do our job? Not firefighters because he is taking away the role of firefighters. He is taking 1,200 to 1,000 firefighters.”

Mr Cooper said: “They don’t know what’s happening to their jobs, don’t know if they are going to pay their bills, don’t know if they are going to have a roof over their heads, Andy Burnham might be providing them with a bed for life if this carries on.”

The Prince’s Trust programme has been described as life-transforming.

GMCA admits the scheme supports its strategy of “promoting self-reliance, reducing existing and future demand and increasing employability, future proofing the Greater Manchester economy and its workforce” and it has a proven track record.

Sir David Crausby said: “It’s also important to remember that this is a service that works though the consent of the public.

“They should be part of our community to build trust, working with local people to identify problems and helping to tackle the causes of fires.

“Their youth engagement through the Princes Trust is a prime example. I understand the huge financial pressures they are under but the true value of community engagement shouldn’t be underestimated.”

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The daughter of firefighter Graham Hughes, who died at the age of 53 in 2003 after tackling a blaze started by arsonists, is backing the campaign to stop the cuts.

Emma Hughes said: “For over 50 years there has been a fire station on the site of Bolton North. It’s provided essential cover for not only the immediate area but as it houses special appliances.

“ The budgets have been massively reduced over the last few years, leaving all our emergency services at breaking point.

“While I appreciate that Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are in a very difficult financial position, we the public and the firefighters are the ones who will suffer.

“We need to fight against further cuts, demand clear answers and protect our local stations that are the heart of the community ­—

“The Prince’s Trust has a building on Bolton Central’s site. Where will they go? What impact will closing the station have upon the essential role they play in the lives of our younger population?