FIREFIGHTERS in the town will be going out on strike for a second time on October 19 as a row over pensions continues.

The latest five-hour strike by members of the Fire Brigades Union will take place from 6.30 to 11.30pm.

Last month crews walked out for four hours during a Wednesday afternoon after government plans were revealed to make firefighters work up to 60.

Union members have argued firefighters working into their late-50s is ‘dangerous and unachievable’.

Dave Williams, from Cheshire FBU, said: “We’re not taking this action lightly and we see this as a last resort that could have been avoided.

“The Scottish Government are coming to the table and trying to negotiate and we hope setting a strike date in a week’s time will give the fire minister the opportunity to set up talks with us.

“We have written to them and made ourselves available anytime they want to meet.

“We hope common sense prevails and we’re hoping to avoid having to increase the length of periods firefighters are out on strike for.

“The support we had from the public last time was tremendous and really boosted everyone.”

A Cheshire Fire spokesman said the service was confident it was prepared to handle the upcoming industrial action.

He added: "It is important to highlight that the strikes being proposed relate to national issues rather than local ones and that action will only be taken by those staff that are members of the Fire Brigade’s Union.
"We do have plans and procedures in place that will enable us to continue to protect the communities of Cheshire during the five hour strike period.
"However, as we do have less fire engines available we would encourage everyone to take extra care during the strike."