CONTROVERSIAL plans to cut the number of full-time firefighters at Yate Fire Station have been approved, despite mass opposition.

It had been outlined in the Avon Fire and Rescue Service Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP), which aims to save £5million a year until 2020, for Yate Fire Station to operate with full-time crews working in the day and on-call firefighters being retained overnight.

The changes were heavily criticised by residents, town councillors and the Fire Brigade Union as they believed it reduced the protection level in the area, with on-call firefighters potentially taking longer to respond to an emergency.

Suggested shift changeover time were also blasted as they would take place around the morning and evening rush hour.

The proposed crewing model was in operation at the station prior to 2009, when more full-time crews were introduced to meet the demands of the dramatically expanding area.

But following a six-week consultation, an amendment was made to the IRMP which would see two on call crews in operation overnight, rather than one.

The service have now begun the recruitment process for more on call firefighters to help provide night cover in Yate. Those interested can find out more at www.avonfire.gov.uk/recruitment-home/retained-firefighter