THE fight to save one of Barnoldswick's two fire crews is being taken to the High Court.

Lancashire's Fire Authority has withdrawn an offer to refer the matter to a mediator after a legal challenge by Pendle Borough Council.

It has described the council's position as "erroneous, misconceived and based upon radical misunderstandings".

Now, papers seeking leave to apply for a judicial review into the loss of the fire engine will be lodged with the High Court in London this week.

Coun David Whipp claimed removing an appliance from Barnoldswick posed the highest risk to life according to the Fire and Rescue Service's own figures.

He said: "Any reasonable person can see it is a perverse decision. There are many errors of process and of fact in the way the fire authority made their decision. Resolving the issue by mediation is a speedier and less expensive way to deal with the matter. It's regrettable that they have rejected this route."

In a letter to Pendle, clerk to the fire authority, Max Winterbottom, said the council's legal challenge had been considered carefully, but was regarded as inappropriate and misconceived.

He added: "The notion of a learned counsel, however eminent he or she may be, being paid to take a view is unacceptable."

And he said their respective positions were so at variance that it would be nigh on impossible to jointly agree any points for mediation.

"If the differences between us are to be considered forensically, then it seems to me that the Judicial Review procedure is the more appropriate.

"I earnestly believe that all your claims are erroneous, misconceived and based upon radical misunderstandings. Consequently, if pursued, they will be vigorously contested."