POLITICIANS the world over are reluctant to perform U-turns. They tend to view a volte-face as a sign of weakness, to be seized upon by their opponents and critics.

Of course, regular changes of heart will rightly be seen as dithering and indecision.

But, in truth, the single act of political courage to admit you’re wrong will win respect and votes, not lose them.

We applaud, therefore, the decency and bravery of Cumbria County Council to scrap proposals to close five retained fire stations.

The stations and their crews were at the heart of the battle against the floods which ravaged the county in December and January. To press ahead with their closure would have appeared crass, insensitive and potentially would have endangered lives. It would also amounted to a public relations disaster.

Likewise, the Haydon Bridge station and its crew played a crucial role in the protection of lives and property during the devastating floods across Tynedale in December.

In addition, there is ample evidence to doubt the veracity of statistics and information produced by Northumberland County Council in support of closure. And yet it still stubbornly refuses to halt the headlong rush to rob local communities of the service.

In the face of overwhelming opposition to keep the station open, we can only arrive at the conclusion that the county council does not want to perform a U-turn in case it is perceived as a sign of weakness.

It must follow the lead of Cumbria, and err on the side of common sense.

Falling in line with public opinion must never be an anathema for public servants.