Controversial reforms to fire services, including the loss of 100 full-time posts and the closure of ten stations across the region, have been approved.

The West Yorkshire Fire Authority yesterday approved a plan by chief fire officer Simon Pilling, which will save the service £4 million a year to offset possible losses of £18 million in Government grants between now and 2016.

The move was approved despite almost 3,000 letters of objection during a 13-week consultation period. Now, during the next four years, ten stations, including Otley, Rawdon and Brighouse, will close to be replaced by five new bases, including Menston and Rastrick.

A second engine will also be removed from the station at Silsden to become a back-up in Keighley.

Speaking after yesterday’s decision, Mr Pilling said: “No one is more disappointed than me we are having to make such fundamental changes so fast, but no credible alternative has been put forward.

“The reality is we haven’t had the cash to recruit since 2009 and are fast approaching the point where we will not be able to crew the full fleet.

“My proposals will spread us a little more thinly, but still enable us to deliver a first-class emergency service across the whole of West Yorkshire.”

Mr Pilling’s plan was ratified despite a late bid by MP Greg Mulholland to have the proposal to replace the Otley and Rawdon stations a new Menston base, postponed.