CRUNCH talks over getting Worcestershire’s fire service more cash at Westminster went well, according to MPs.

Politicians say they are hopeful a key showdown between the Government’s fire minister Brandon Lewis and service bosses in the county will result in better funding.

As your Worcester News revealed last week, a delegation led by chief fire officer Mark Yates went to parliament last Tuesday to lobby for more money.

It comes amid consultations with the public over £4.7 million worth of cuts to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service over the next three years.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said: “I was glad the MPs were able to move so swiftly together to get time with the minister to discuss this problem, and to allow the fire authority to make a compelling case about how poorly funded they are. I feel that they made a strong case and we were able to have a full and frank discussion with the minister. We are hoping for some positive news back from the department before Christmas.”

Other MPs present for the talks, which lasted for more than one hour, said they believed Mr Lewis listened to their case.

Peter Luff, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, said: “It went remarkably well – I thought all the key points were put across in a very reasonable, calm and measured way. All the right questions were asked and they seemed to understand where we were coming from.”

At the moment in Worcestershire, fire service funding is just £14 per head, compared to £22 nationally.

Councillor Derek Prodger, fire authority chairman, who also attended the talks, said the county was being unfairly hit because it is rural.

He said: “Worcestershire is a rural environment but we still need to provide a proper service to keep people safe.

“Seven MPs turned up across the two counties and whereas I’ve been to meetings at Westminster which have been very short, this one went on for over an hour.

“They seemed very supportive and the main thrust of it is that we want a better funding settlement from Westminster.”

Fire service funding is expected to be announced around Christmas time for the 2014/15 financial year.

Proposals for the cuts include closing stations in Bewdley, Broadway, Kingsland and Whitchurch and reducing the number of engines on duty from 43 to 33, including getting rid of a full-time appliance in Worcester.