Seven fire stations could close

Up to seven fire stations could shut across Warwickshire as part of proposals to be revealed next week.

It is understood the stations at Brinklow, Kenilworth, Warwick, Bidford, Studley, Fenny Compton and Bedworth could close as part of a shake-up.

The proposals also include the possibility of building a new station between Bedworth and Nuneaton.

The county council's cabinet, which has been considering the plans, will release them publicly on Monday.

'Public safety'

Fire chiefs, who have asked the county council to look at the plans, have said changes were needed to cope with modern demands, such as more flooding and traffic accidents.

After Monday, the proposals will go to a public consultation.

Mark Rattray, of the Fire Brigades' Union (FBU), said union officials would challenge any changes which would be "of detriment to public safety".

He added the union had not been expecting so many stations to be included in the proposals.

Mr Rattray said the union was unsure at this stage about whether any jobs would go.

Warwickshire County Council has not commented on the plans but said the public would be involved in the consultation.