COUNCIL tax payers are being urged to put pressure on the Government to make it rethink its decision to cap the budget of the fire brigade that covers Wyre Forest.

The chairman of Hereford and Worcester Combined Fire Authority, Richard Udall, called on taxpayers to plead for a U-turn, claiming a £2 million cash cut resulting from the capping would have a "drastic effect" on brigade services.

"I can only conclude that the Government is totally unaware of the consequences of its decision," he said.

"The Government has said that, in its view, our budget of £26.8 million this year is excessive. The authority does not share the view."

He went on: "If the Government does not allow our appeal, the saving to the average council tax payer will amount to about £7 a year or just two pence a day. However, the effect on the service will be catastrophic."

Mr Udall added: "I shall be recommending that the authority lodge an appeal against the capping order at its meeting on May 18."

He warned: "If our appeal is not successful, then I cannot rule out the real possibility of redundancies among our employees."