FIREFIGHTERS are threatening to strike unless fire chiefs drop contract proposals for new recruits.

Union secretary Brendan French said union members are trying to stop contracts they say will give worse pay and conditions to new firefighters.

He said: "Firefighters across the borough will strike if the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority (LFCDA) go ahead with these new contracts."

FBU executive council member Gordon Vassell said: "Branches are already calling for action on the latest cuts, although it would be premature to take any decision on that yet.

"Our energies are directed at persuading the LFCDA not to go ahead with these cuts when they set their budget on February 18."

The brigade would not comment on the new contracts.

l Mr French said the Cuts Cost Lives campaign to halt the axing of one of the two fire engines at Addington fire station - which covers half of West Wickham - has gained momentum.

He said the community had got behind the campaign and a rally is being held outside Addington Community Centre in Parkway, Addington, at noon on February 6.

The campaign was launched on December 2 at Addington fire station.

The future of the two engine station will be decided on February 18.

A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: "It really is a wait and see period up to February 18. We are consulting the public at the moment and their views will be taken into account."

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