RENT rises are being suggested for dozens of firefighters across Cheshire as part of an overhaul of five Cheshire fire stations, including Stockton Heath.

Fire brigade chiefs want staff from day stations - also including Knutsford, Northwich, Congleton and Winsford - 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-named 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.

Members of the county's fire authority were set to rubberstamp the recommendations as the Warrington Guardian went to press.