FIREFIGHTERS in Lancashire are threatening to go on strike over plans to change their working conditions which they say will put lives at risk.

The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has agreed to support national plans to change conditions of service, which include entitlements such as sick leave, overtime and free prescriptions for work-related conditions.

But the county's Fire Brigade Union representatives have joined colleagues throughout the country threatening action over the move.

They say the plans are a smokescreen to disguise the introductions of greater financial flexibility for brigade chiefs at local level, which could mean job losses, and closing fire stations.

And union bosses ultimately believe that could lead to a loss of brigade jobs in Lancashire and elsewhere as part of cost cutting exercise to make ends meet.

Fire chiefs recommended in January that part time fire crew be cut to save money, but those plans were put on hold while inspectors check whether the move is justified. A decision on the future of part time firefighters in Accrington, Leyland and Lancaster is still awaited from Home Office minister George Howarth.

FBU spokesman Martin Gallagher said: "We are being reactive not proactive on this. At our national conference we voted that if they tried to change conditions of service we would hold a ballot for strike action.

"We hear all the jargon about efficiency and so called best value, but the bottom line is that there will be a reduction in jobs ultimately."

Fire chiefs throughout the country, including Coun Bob Clark, chairman of the Lancashire Fire Authority have emphasised that new arrangements for greater flexibility at local level will not result in different pay levels for different brigades.

He added: "Nothing will happen on this without the agreement of the unions in Lancashire or anywhere else. No fire service will act unilaterally.

"The combined fire authority has agreed to support the proposals in principle and believe that the time is right to update the conditions of service of firefighters.

"It is earnestly hoped that an agreed way forward can be achieved with the Fire Brigades Union."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.