A CAMPAIGN to save a retained fire crew through a judicial review has failed.

A judge today refused permission for the review into the decision to axe the retained crew from Barnoldswick.

Lancashire's fire chiefs have blasted Pendle councillors for making the legal challenge to a "sound decision" and costing the taxpayer "thousands of pounds".

But Coun David Whipp, executive member for resources in Pendle, hit back and said "you can't put a cost on lives."

He said they would continue to fight the decision through the local government ombudsman.

The fight by Pendle Borough Council and had won widespread support from the community.

But Judge Collins, in his ruling, said: "This claim cannot succeed.

"There was a full and detailed consultation exercise and it is in my view quite impossible to establish that there were any legal flaws in the decision.

"In all the circumstances, I am not prepared to grant permission."

Lancashire fire chiefs had proposed the cuts as they said there was not enough work for the crew. Critics said it people members of the public at risk.

Around 18 part-time firefighters are now facing redundancy or a cut in their hours.

Lancashire's Chief Fire Officer, Peter Holland, welcomed the judge's decision.

He said: "There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that the decision of the combined fire authority was not only perfectly sound in law, but the right one for the people of Lancashire, including those living and working in Barnoldswick.

"Moreover, it is significant that Judge Collins has independently vindicated our assertion throughout that the emergency cover review was the outcome of comprehensive public consultation.

"I was therefore perplexed and dismayed by the decision of Pendle Borough Council to challenge the outcome of the review.

"A great deal of effort and not a little expense was incurred preparing this case for court by both ourselves and Pendle Borough Council and though I am delighted that our review has surmounted this legal test with flying colours, it is in my view profoundly regrettable that this unnecessary action was brought in the first place."

Chair of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority, County Councillor Bob Wilkinson, said: "Finally, it is very disappointing that over £20,000 of Fire Authority money has had to be spent defending the original decision with a large amount of Pendle Borough Council's resources wasted pursuing this case"

Coun Whipp said: "We are desperately disappointed but the fight goes on. We believe there were procedural irregularities in the decision and we will go to the local government ombudsman as we think lives will be left at risk.

"We have spent about £7,000 on this case, but we believe you can't put a cost on lives."