Large fire engines could be replaced with smaller response vehicles in a west Cumbrian town and village.

Cumbria County Council, the area's fire authority, is currently carrying out consultation on a new four-year plan, which suggests making changes in Maryport and Frizington.

The draft integrated risk management plan, for 2019 to 2023, also includes developing "satellite resources" in "relatively low risk and demand areas" and exploring the possibility of blue light hubs.

It would see an increased apprenticeship programme, including fire protection business safety advisors.

Cumbria’s chief fire officer Steve Healey said: “These new proposals are intended to put us in the best possible position to respond to incidents and keep people safe.”

“The service is constantly reviewing the level of risk in the county and how we can make most effective use of the resources we have.

"We must put prevention at the heart of everything we do, and consider wider risks to allow us to protect some of the most vulnerable in our society.

“In working in partnership with other blue light colleagues, and considering the best response to certain types of incidents, the plan also considers changes that can be made to enhance the service to the people of Cumbria."

Fire engines at Arnside and Staveley would also be replaced with "smaller, more agile" rapid response vehicles.

In Maryport, it would be the service's second fire engine which is replaced.

The plan says these "are more suitable to the risk, demand and geography of our country".

Suggested satellite areas would mean firefighters carry out their normal duties (training, administration etc) from a larger neighbouring station "but maintain a rapid response vehicles".

Other proposals include introducing a fire protection structure which meets the outcomes and recommendations from the independent review of building regulations and fire safety and the Grenfell Tower public enquiry.

Coun Janet Willis, cabinet member for customers, transformation and fire and rescue, said: “We’ve approved the start of consultation on these proposals; we’ve not made any final decisions.

"I’d encourage people to take the time to read the plan and respond to the consultation.

"My cabinet colleagues and I are keen to understand the views of stakeholders and the public before we reach any conclusions.”

Consultation on the plan is open until February 8, 2019. It will go before councillors for approval in April 2019.

To read the draft plan, go to cumbria.gov.uk/fire

Feedback can be submitted to irmp.fire@cumbria.gov.uk