THE people of Tenbury will have a chance tomorrow, Friday, to tell senior firemen why the town's fire station should be kept open.

Divisional officer Paul Amos, of the Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority, and colleagues will be outside the Regal Cinema from 10am to 1pm to explain future plans for the area and collect public comments.

Their visit has sparked fears of possible cutbacks at Tenbury fire station and came as the season for blazes caused by fireworks began.

Last Sunday, fire crews tackled a fire "believed to be of doubtful origin" at the paper bank in the Palmers Meadow Car Park.

"We were suspicious because a fire also occurred in a washing machine and a microwave oven in the recycling plant," said sub-officer David James.

"There were reports that children or teenagers were letting off fireworks. People heard fireworks in the area. We found several fireworks in the paper bank."

Last year, Tenbury's two fire tenders dealt with around half-a-dozen firework incidents.

"They are not to be messed about with," Mr James warned.

Tomorrow's public consultation is part of an "indicative risk management plan" being drawn up by the Fire Authority.

"We need the public to help us decide how to deliver a modernised and professional fire and rescue service," Mr Amos said.

"We really see this as an important opportunity to talk to the people of Tenbury and have their views. There are 25 recommendations in the plan, which aims to deal with how to prevent fires, protect people in the work place and respond to fires."

Mr James said some in Tenbury feared the plan could mean cuts in local cover.

"They had a go at Tenbury years ago and some people have asked if it is all going to happen again," he said.

Divisional officer Mark Carpenter commented: "I can't say what will happen at the moment. The last fire cover review was in 1994/95. It is 10 years since we did a review of the risks and everything has changed in that time."