CRISIS talks are now taking place across Hereford and Worcester fire service to see how union members feel about the prospect of more strikes.

Local Authority Employers have offered a 16 per cent pay rise but with the proviso that major modernisation is introduced to the service, based on the findings of the Bains' Report.

Redditch's Fire Brigades Union representative Ian Hatton said firefighters in the town were feeling increasingly down-hearted with the situation.

"Everybody is feeling really fed-up at the moment," said Mr Hammond. "Nobody wants to strike and we don't want to put the public at risk.

"The argument isn't even just about our pay anymore, there are lots of different factors which have to be considered in this situation."

Several meetings will be taking place in Redditch, Bromsgrove and the rest of the region to see how union members feel about the latest pay offer and if they agree with more strikes.

Once opinions have been made known, FBU representatives from across the country will report back to the national conference on Wednesday, March 19.

Mr Hatton said: "Everybody involved needs to have their chance to vote on the options.

''We just hope employers come back with an offer more acceptable to everyone.

The offer, which the Government has said is final, would raise a frontline firefighter's pay to £25,000 within 16 months but with conditions attached which union leaders claim would risk 4,500 jobs.