RENT rises are being suggested for dozens of firefighters across the county as part of an overhaul of five Cheshire fire stations, including Northwich and Winsford.

Fire brigade chiefs want staff from day stations - also including Stockton Heath, Knutsford, and Congleton - to pay £32 per week more in rent for 'tied' homes owned by the service.

This would bring crews at the five 'day' stations into line with their colleagues, who are given a £47 a week allowance for living in their own homes.

And it would generate an additional £85,000 per year for the newly-christened Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Another option would be to equalise rent rates with those paid to local housing associations and trusts.

While an extra £133,199 would be generated for the service, the alternative appears to have been discounted by deputy chief fire officer Keith Newnes.

The 'tied' homes are all located within the immediate vicinity of the respective stations.

Fire Brigades' Union officials have warned that any increases could persuade members to abandon the five stations in favour of full-time stations, such as Warrington, Chester and Macclesfield.

Branch secretary Dave Williams said the union would soon be entering into negotiations with brigade management over the proposals.

The other implications of the review are that the core hours of day station firefighters would increase from 21.5 hours to 35 hours, linked to new shift systems.

Mr Williams said many members are already carrying out additional community safety duties during evenings and weekends.

The fire service will also have to decide whether it continues to be a landlord for its housing portfolio, which includes more than 50 homes across the county.

Four out of the five stations have firefighters living in the same street or cul-de-sac.

Members of the county's fire authority are set to rubberstamp the recommendations of Mr Newnes' review today, Wednesday.