PROPOSALS to close five fire stations in Cumbria have been scrapped in a dramatic council u-turn.

Cumbria County Council's cabinet met this morning, with the multi-million pound budget cuts at the top of the agenda.

Protesters from Lazonby fire station - one of those under threat of closure - were at the meeting to hear the good news.

Councillor Barry Doughty, cabinet member with responsibility for the fire service, put forward the proposal to make no alterations to the service.

He cited the response of firefighters in last month's floods and the strength of public opposition as the reasons behind his suggestion.

The recommendation was approved - although councillors warned the savings would still need to be found.

The proposals would have seen the closure of five part-time fire stations across Cumbria, including Lazonby and Frizington in west Cumbria.

It had been estimated their closure would produce annual savings of £438,000, with a further one-off cash boost of £365,000 generated from the sale of the buildings.

There was also a plan to remove one of the two fire engines currently based at Maryport Fire Station, saving £30,000 a year.

Les Skarratts, secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in the north west, said: “The council have rightly recognised how vital firefighters are responding to major flooding emergencies. 

"Firefighters are dealing with the impact of flooding more than ever and Cumbria is better served by having these stations remain open."

He continued: “This was an issue that the local community felt very strongly about. They have been on the receiving end of terrible flooding and were going to see the emergency service that helped them cut back even more.”