GOVERNMENT reforms will cost lives and lead to the death of Britain's fire service.

That is the view of Bury firefighters who are set to take part in a new series of national strikes over pay and conditions.

Local authority employers have until 9am on Tuesday (Jan 21) to come up with an acceptable pay offer to avert a planned 24-hour walkout by the country's fire service.

With the Government accused of trying to break the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), local firefighters have reiterated their determination to fight for a better deal.

Station Officer Paul Myerscough of Bury Fire Station said: "None of us wanted to go on strike last year and the same can be said this time round.

"Our fight is not just about improving our salaries. We only want a fair day's pay for a fairs day's work, but it also about ensuring the survival of the Britain's fire service.

"While there is an accepted need for reform, those highlighted in the Bain Report, including staff and station reductions, will cost lives. They are to do with saving money and not saving lives. All the Government wants to do is smash our union no matter what the cost to human life."

FBU members say slashing around 10,000 jobs would leave crews under strength and under protected.

It is also feared that a reduction in the number of fire stations would result in either the Ramsbottom or Whitefield station being axed and response times getting longer.

Mr Myerscough said: "The closure of any fire station in the borough would result in back up and support coming from further afield, taking longer to get to a fire and therefore leaving lives at even greater risk."

The FBU is currently seeking a 40 per cent increase for firefighters which would see salaries rise from £21,500 to £30,000.

Said Mr Myerscough: "We would accept a 16 per cent increase with reforms, some of which are needed but have also already been implemented in Greater Manchester, but those reforms must not hinder our excellent service to the public.

"Killing off the fire service will kill others."

Two further 48 hour strikes are to begin on January 28 and February 1 if there is no settlement.