FIRE service chiefs have improved the redundancy packages offered to East Lancashire firefighters they want to axe.

Voluntary redundancy has been discussed with around a dozen firefighters at both Barnoldswick's Wellhouse Road station and the Queen Street station in Great Harwood.

Secondary retained fire appliances are being removed from both stations as the result of a controversial Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) emergency cover review, resulting in the need for job cuts.

But so far talks between the fire service, union representatives and the workers affected have not resulted in all of their futures being resolved.

Some have been offered transfer to full-time stations. Nelson and Burnley are the nearest for Barnoldswick officers and Blackburn and Darwen are options for Great Harwood firefighters.

But the transfer of retained firefighters, at the two sites, to normal shifts would present difficulties for those who already have second jobs.

Discussions have also mentioned the possibility of reduced hours and the creation of hybrid posts, to minimise the impact of the cuts.

A Lancashire Fire Authority report into the redundancies says: "Whilst redeployment options are progressing well the amounts payable under the statutory redundancy scheme are not significant enough incentive for employees to take this option."

And a LFRS spokesman added: "It is the case that we are still negotiating and a final outcome has not been reached yet.

"It is a case of looking at each individual's situation symp-athetically and then deciding what the best outcome would be for them.

"There is a precedent for this, when Oswaldtwistle fire station was closed, and retained crew members were reassigned to the new Hyndburn community fire station."

The redundancy offer was rubberstamped by members of Lancashire Fire Authority behind closed doors a fortnight ago.

Firefighters have until the end of April to consider whether to take up the new redundancy package.

The removal of the second appliance at Great Harwood will be the first time the town has been without two engines in more than 110 years.

Carnforth is the other Lancashire station affected by the redundancy issue.