PEOPLE in Hampshire are being urged by community leaders to attend a public meeting tonight and quiz fire chiefs about the future of the service.

As part of a three-month consultation into Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service looking at ways to save millions of pounds, people can have a say about what their service will look like.

Due to funding cuts Hampshire Fire Rescue S The service needs to save £12.2m in the next four years.

The review would see 215 firefighting posts lost across the county but no stations would close.

As the Daily Echo reported on Saturday, Southampton City Council leader Simon Letts fears that lives and property in Southampton would be put at risk by proposed changes to fire stations.

He said he would oppose plans by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to cut the number of overnight firefighters at one of Southampton’s fire stations, Hightown, in half.

Cllr Letts said: “We’re not happy with what we’ve heard. There’s a significant risk to Southampton people and property by thiswhat’s being suggested.”

Now, community representatives are urging people to attend the meeting at St Denys Church Centre, Dundee Road, and hear both sides of the argument.

Southampton city councillor Sharon Mintoff, a member of Hampshire Fire Authority, said: “I’m concerned because at the moment Hightown has two enhanced vehicles 24/7.

“The proposal is to downgrade one at night but it's the impact of the of the changes to Hamble and Botley stations which also concern me.”

She added that she hadn’t made a final decision about the proposals but urged people to attend the meeting, which due to run from 6.30pm-9pm.

Deputy chief of Hampshire's fire service, Neil Odin, who drew up the proposals, said they would allow “a more relevant and efficient fire and rescue service”.

He added nothing was set in stone and urged people to attend Monday night’s meeting.

“We'll adapt [the review] following what we have hear. We've had some useful points of concern raised.

But our firefighters have been engaged in this work for over two years That’s why we’ve got to this stage “You’re going to hear a minority of voices who are concerned about change. ”

He added: “I can’t keep it the same. The situation has changed, risk is changing.”

The proposals were approved in September by the authority, allowing a formal consultation until December 4.

The proposals and the questionnaire can be found at hantsfire.gov.uk/a-safer-hampshire.

• Find a breakdown of how the changes will affect your area at dailyecho.co.uk.