FIRE chiefs in Lancashire have drawn up an action plan to take the brigade into the 21st century.

The major review follows a wide ranging inspection of the service by Government appointed officials who produced a glowing report on the brigade but also called for a series of minor improvements.

The inspectors say their recommendation are 'fine tuning' so the service can adopt itself to changes in the county.

The major finding in the report was the need for a modern fire station in Hyndburn to replace the Victorian building in Accrington centre.

The brigade is looking to raise cash for the multi-million pound project under the Government's Private Finance Initiative and a business plan has been put together.

There are also moves to update the brigade's computer systems with the help of IT experts from county hall. And the inspection team called for increases in the number of retained fire fighters in Lancashire.

Rawtenstall is one of four stations facing problems finding staff and an action plan has been set up to deal with recruitment.

New measures are also being introduced to tackle the problem of fire fighters taking sick leave.

The problem hits small stations such as Bacup particularly badly because of its staffing levels.

Changes are also planned in training techniques and occupational health therapy within the brigade.

The action plan will be discussed when the finance and general purposes committee of the Combined Fire Authority meets on Monday.

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