More than half of a town's population have backed a campaign to keep its full-time fire cover.

More than 5,500 of Oakham's 10,580 residents signed a petition calling for the station's full-time crew, plus a retained crew of part-time firefighters to be maintained.

Leicestershire and Rutland Combined Fire Authority is considering downgrading the unit to a fully retained station or one staffed part-time to save money.

The petition, collected by firefighters, has now been handed to Rutland and Melton MP Alan Duncan and Rutland County Council leader Roger Begy.

Fire Brigades Union spokesman Tom Neal, based at the Oakham station, said: "We've always had good support from the public who think we do a good job. Response times could increase by more than five minutes if the proposals go ahead and that would cost lives.

"The management's argument is that realigning resources will save lives elsewhere, but that's no comfort to people in this area.

"Oakham's whole time crew is also used to back up other areas. When Melton council offices went up, Oakham's was the second pump on the scene.

"It is clear from the petition, people are concerned about their safety."

Rutland MP Alan Duncan said: "It's an absolute no-brainer and it looks as though they are trying to raid Rutland in order to cover the centre of Leicestershire."

Oakham town councillor, Jim Harrison, said: "We shouldn't be the only county that doesn't have a full time fire service."

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service deputy chief fire officer, Ian Scarrott, said: "This is not a fait accompli and following the meeting of the combined fire authority on June 24 there will be 12 weeks of public consultation on the detailed proposals.

"There is always a great strength of feeling about any proposed changes and it's reassuring to hear the public's opinion on what we think is a great service. We are always interested to hear what people have to say."

The petition will form part of the county council's response to the plans in the consultation.