TWO EAST Lancashire fire stations could close as part of a cost cutting measures by brigade bosses.

Oswaldtwistle and Haslingden stations are under threat because the Lancashire brigade is looking at making savings of £2.5 million next year.

Sweeping cuts could include getting rid of retained fire crews in in Accrington, Padiham, Barnoldswick and Colne.

Crews at Bacup and Great Harwood could be axed along with the turntable ladder at Burnley. The list of cost cutting measures also includes reductions in services and savings on the wages bill .

But brigade chiefs say any cuts are likely to affect the standards of service in Lancashire. And the Fire Brigade Union has warned large scale redundancies could trigger strike action.

The newly-formed Lancashire Fire Authority is still trying to work out how much Government funding they will get next year. But Lancashire County Council has warned that sweeping savings will have to be made if the budgets are to be balanced.

A list of 38 cuts have been drawn up but over half the measures would have to be given Government approval before they could go ahead.

Fire Brigade Chief Gordon Russel believes that half of the list is not likely to be approved by Government ministers.

A report on the cuts will be discussed at a meeting of the newly formed shadow combined fire authority on Monday

The report reads: "The options outlined in the list have been selected to meet the required level of six per cent of the budget.

"Due to the labour intensive nature of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, any significant reductions in expenditure would inevitably involve reductions in staff.

"That in turn will result in a diminution of operational fire cover and damage to the structure of the brigade."

The union has warned that their policy means any redundancies could lead to strike action.

Tony Harris, secretary of the Lancashire branch of the union, said: "Some of the options would have a significant impact on fire cover in the county.

"Strike action cannot be ruled out but that would be our last option."

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