A THREE month consultation will get under way on Monday over controversial proposal to close Haydon Bridge fire station.
Northumberland County Council announced the plan a fortnight ago, with Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service under pressure to save £500,000 in the next financial year.
Opposition to the closure has already come from local councillors and firefighters.
At a meeting of the county council's cabinet on Thursday, members approved a recommendation for the consultation to begin.
Chief fire officer Alex Bennett said: "As someone who has worked in the fire service for 30 years, I have spent my life protecting people.
"We have not spent our careers seeking to remove the fire service. This proposal comes after years of cuts."
Mr Bennett praised the professionalism and commitment of staff, and said consultation was the best way for all interested parties to discuss the proposal.
The consultation, which will end on February 15 next year, will include public meetings.
Information about how people can take part in the consultation will be on the county council's website at www.northumberland.gov.uk from Monday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here