Bid to save Gipton's 1930s fire station

Gipton is among 10 stations earmarked for closure

Campaigners are hoping to get a West Yorkshire fire station listed to prevent it being demolished when it is closed and sold.

The station at Gipton, east Leeds, is among 10 in the county being closed as part of cost-cutting measures.

Local people who campaigned against the closure are applying to English Heritage to have the "beautiful" 1930s building listed to protect it.

Firefighters were celebrating the station's 75th anniversary on Saturday.

David Williams, from the Fire Brigades' Union, said: "To reach 75 operational years is a momentous occasion.

"The station being listed would be a fitting tribute and will ensure the building will be left for the people of east Leeds.

"It will be a lasting memorial for all those who have worked in the fire and rescue service."

West Yorkshire Fire Authority approved the closure of Gipton and the nine other stations - Stanks, Rawdon, Otley, Brighouse, Elland, Hemsworth, South Elmsall, Batley and Dewsbury - last December.

They will be replaced with five new "super stations" at Killingbeck, Menston, Rastrick, South Kirkby and Batley Carr.

Plans to close further stations, reduce the number of engines and cut 200 firefighter posts went out to public consultation last month.

The fire service says it expects to face budget cuts until 2020.