Fire-fighters walk out three times in pension row

FIRE-fighters across the borough were involved in three strikes over the weekend as part of the continuing row over pensions.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) took part in the national walkouts in England and Wales from noon-5pm on Friday, for 12 hours from 2pm on Saturday and from 10am-3pm on Sunday.

They were the latest in a series of strikes to oppose plans to increase pension contributions and the retirement age, which the FBU says could see fire-fighters sacked because their fitness would decline with age.

Dave German, Oldham’s FBU rep, said: “It is very disappointing any time we go on strike and we do not do it lightly. We just hope the public in Oldham and Greater Manchester understand.

“It is disappointing that the Government has allowed the stalemate to continue.”



FIRE-fighters discovered a cannabis farm when they were called to a blaze in Failsworth.

Crews due to go on strike at 10am stayed to fight the fire, which started on the first floor of a rented house in Brown Street. It spread from a bedroom and the hallway to the loft.

A 999 call at 9.30am reported smoke billowing from the roof. Neighbours on either side were evacuated when the smoke spread to their homes, but fire-fighters prevented the flames from spreading.

A 46-year-old man arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis plants was bailed until today when he will report back to police.