FIREFIGHTERS across Hertfordshire are bracing themselves for deep budget cuts.

It was feared the safety and lives of firefighters and members of the public would be at risk, as a result of swingeing cuts to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s (HFRS) budget.

Last week, the county council heard in a report that “reducing HFRS’s budget by 50 per cent to �125,000 would lead to a reduction in both the quantity and quality of equipment replaced”

This, it is claimed, would be “detrimental in terms of public safety, firefighter safety and ensuring that environmental damage is minimised”.

But, after negotiations, the savings were reduced to 25 per cent, slashing the budget to �62,500.

A spokesman for HFRS said: “Public safety and the safety of our firefighters has always been our priority and we are confident that both will be maintained with this lower level of reduction.”