FYLDE ambulance staff could strike after talks with management hit deadlock.

The Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel, Transport and General Union and Unison are balloting their 85 Fylde Coast members on possible industrial action.

The wrangle centres on standby arrangements - ambulances parked away from the station in order to reach emergencies within a life-saving eight-minute deadline.

Some proposed new standby points are too far from support facilities, say the unions.

Ian Jones, of the APAP, said talks had broken down after two years negotiation: "Staff safety and welfare are our key concerns.

"Crews could spend many hours parked away from toilets and refreshments, and at night there's a question of safety.

"Ambulance personnel often face stressful situations after which they need somewhere to unwind. We're asking members if they want to accept the management proposals or to take industrial action.

"Whatever action is decided, we'll try to limit any effect our action has on the public - but we hope it doesn't come to that point."

Lancashire ambulance accident and emergency services director Bernard Glenholme was surprised the unions were taking this action.

"We thought we'd nearly reached agreement," he said. "We've had standby arrangements for many years, we're trying to put it on a more formal basis to improve service to patients and address the welfare and safety needs of staff."

The ballot result is expected mid-August.

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