TOWN residents could face two more 48-hour periods without firefighters.

Bromsgrove firefighters have threatened to strike at the end of January, unless talks with employers resolve the pay dispute.

The strikes have been rescheduled to run from 9am on Tuesday January, 28 to 9am on Thursday January, 30 and 9am on Saturday February, 1 to Monday February 3.

Branch Secretary at Bromsgrove Fire Station, Mat Cox, said: "Everyone is hoping the dispute gets resolved, and that's why the strikes have been rescheduled - to allow longer for negotiation."

The Fire Brigade Union is due to meet with the Fire Service employers' in the week beginning January 6. This is to give negotiations several weeks clear of strikes.

Firefighters are striking to increase the wage of a full time professional fire fighter to £30,000. They say they are willing to negotiate.

Andy Gilchrist, said: "Fire Service employers' now have several weeks to put together a serious pay offer.

"There will be a ample time in January to conduct detailed and intensive talks to help resolve this dispute without the need for further strikes."

He added: "This is a genuine window of opportunity that gives pay talks a chance.

"We do hope each side can grasp this opportunity with the same level of willingness that we do."