FIRE engines are set to be axed in two towns in a bid to save cash.
And the chief fire officer has said the cuts to West Bridgford and Arnold fire stations might not be the last this year.
Under the plans, the retained crew at Arnold and 12-hour appliance at West Bridgford will be cut as the service aims to find savings of £1.8 million.
People living in these areas told the Post they were worried the cuts could be dangerous.
Graphic artist Brian Maguire, 27, of Musters Road, West Bridgford, said: "I know there has to be cuts in the public sector, but they shouldn't affect frontline services.
"If we can't afford fire engines any more, then that's starting to get worrying. The last thing you want to happen is there not to be a fire engine when you need one."
And Mark Hammans, chairman of Arnold Business Forum, said: "I just hope they've done their homework and worked out the risk.
"It's a shame when it all comes down to is money. All it will take is one incident and people will think the wrong decision has been made."
The plans will see ten full-time equivalent staff leave West Bridgford – though these will not be compulsory redundancies – and 14 part-time retained firefighters axed.
Phil Coates, chairman of Notts Fire Brigade Union, said: "We're obviously disappointed – we've fought hard to save those pumps but the chief's hands are tied by the Government's cuts.
