FIRE chiefs in Darlington have reaffirmed a pledge to do all they can to stop budget cuts from affecting front-line services.

Colin Bage, head of operational delivery for Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said tough staffing decisions have been faced, but reassured residents they would not be put at risk.

He said: “It’ll hit us really hard, but we are prepared for it. We are not reducing any of our front line response, so as not to pose the public any risk.”

More than 200 firefighters from all over the UK travelled to London last month, to protest the proposed nationwide cuts, which many say will drastically reduce response times.

Mr Bage added: “We have 27 fire appliances and 15 stations, and we have no plans to lose any of them.

“We faced up to difficult decisions early. Operating crews have accepted some difficult changes.

“We went through the process early, so that we could keep the operational response. It is vital we keep the operational response.

“We have reduced the number of specialist staff, and we have been making reductions in the back office.

“Everyone is doing a lot more. It is going to be hard, but we are ready, and we are being smart with how we operate.”

Mr. Bage said the challenge was being met head on, adding: “You can either bury your head in the sand and pretend it’s not going to happen, or you can face up to what’s happening.”