Firefighters in Royston were battling against a Hertfordshire County Council proposal throughout the year to downgrade Royston Fire Station from full-day crewing to partial day crewing, a proposal that could have reduced whole-time fire cover by more than

Firefighters in Royston were battling against a Hertfordshire County Council proposal throughout the year to downgrade Royston Fire Station from full-day crewing to partial day crewing, a proposal that could have reduced whole-time fire cover by more than 40 per cent.

Residents and firefighters pulled together against the proposals during on-going negotiations with the council.

FBU members also staged strikes during June and July, because they were concerned any cuts could put people's lives at risk.

The dispute which lasted for nearly a year came to an end in July when the fire authority pledged to make no more changes to front-line crews, engines, or stations for at least three years.

County councillor David Lloyd, executive member for community safety, said: "It has been a very difficult time. But it is important now that we look to the future.