Bob Pounder, secretary of the Greater Manchester Fire Brigades Union, claims calls in Horwich have doubled during the last 15 years and he highlights the fact that people in Horwich have to wait for a fire engine from Bolton, Crompton Way or Hindley.
Contrast that situation with the Farnworth area which has its own fire station.
When it was revealed that Horwich had no cover the weekend before last, Greater Manchester Fire Service chiefs gave a reassurance that "professional cover" was being maintained.
But, according to Mr Pounder, one of the two fire engines tends to be out of action for about 50 per cent of the time.
Greater Manchester Fire Service chiefs should look again at the situation in Horwich.
It seems it is time for a change in the status of the station.
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