FIREFIGHTERS are set to take a further eight-day period of strike action.

It comes after the government said it planned to continue with proposals to require crews to continue until they are 60.

Firefighters in East Lancashire have already taken strike action to show their disapproval of the plans.

Matt Wrack, the Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “It is absolutely ludicrous that a government can impose a scheme which means that firefighters will have to ride engines and rescue people from fires up to age 60.

“This is unsafe and unrealistic for firefighters and the public.

“We know it, and the public know it, but the government will not listen to the evidence based case we have made to them.”

Sean Starbuck, FBU national officer, said: “It’s extremely disappointing that we have had to issue more strike dates.”

The strikes will take place from August 9 to 16, noon to 2pm and 10.59pm to 11.59pm.