A PLEA from the chairman of Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority has gone out for people to join an appeal to the Government to reconsider its decision to cap the authority.

Last week's decision will mean a £2 million budget cut with serious consequences, said Richard Udall.

"I am launching an appeal to the council taxpayers of the two counties to join us in a plea to the Government to reconsider its decision to cap the authority's budget because of the drastic effect a £2 million cut will have on the services the Fire Brigade provides for our communities."

He added: "The authority does not share the view that the budget is excessive.

"It was unanimously agreed this was the amount we require for us to provide a 24-hour, 365 day a year emergency service.

"The cost to the average band D council taxpayer is £60.21p, or £1.15p a week.

"I shall recommend the authority lodge an appeal against the capping order at its meeting on May 18."

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

"I stress no final decisions have yet been taken as we are working very hard, with others, to prevent this happening."