A WORCESTERSHIRE fire station could lose one of its two fire engines, unless more retained firefighters can be found.

Ledbury station manager Bryan Morgan, who is in charge of the stations at Ledbury, Ross, Fownhope and Whitchurch, said that daytime cover in Ledbury was becoming critical.

Often, there are only enough firefighters on hand to staff one appliance in an emergency. Mr Morgan said it was his aim to bring Ledbury's roll-call of retained firefighters back to full strength and make sure that two appliances remain at the Bye Street station.

"The problem is, employers are often reluctant to release staff, and so I've written to Ledbury employers, asking for help," he said.

Two major employers, Amcor Flexibles and John Dickinson's Ltd, have responded by inviting Mr Morgan to give a talk this week.

Mr Morgan said: "Amcor already releases one member of staff, anyway. I hope that more local employers will support the drive to find more firefighters. We have enough cover in the evening and at weekends, but Ledbury has an unusually high proportion of calls during the day."

The minimum of firefighters needed to staff Ledbury's two appliances is eight, but often in the day only six are available. Mr Morgan is hoping that at least five or six new retained firefighters can be found.

Last year, most addresses in Ledbury received post cards, asking people to consider becoming retained firefighters.

An information day at the station attracted 18 interested people, but led to only one new recruit.

For further details, contact Mr Morgan on 01432 274561, or e-mail bmorgan@hwfire.org. uk