FIREFIGHTERS in the borough have blasted their national union leaders for recommending a deal which could put lives at risk.

Bromley delegates at the Fire Brigades’ Union’s (FBU) recalled conference voted with their London colleagues to reject a two-year pay offer, which only guarantees a four per cent increase.

The package is also linked to the previously rejected “modernisation” programme, which could threaten small stations like Biggin Hill, but was voted through by a three-to-one majority.

Speaking on the way back from the Glasgow conference, FBU chairman of the Croydon and Bromley group, Richard Blackler, said rank-and-file members feel “let down” by the leadership.

Mr Blackler, who works at Biggin Hill station, added: “It seems incredible our leadership have turned a nine-to-one majority in favour of industrial action into such a dismal failure.” Others called for FBU general secretary Andy Gilchrist to resign, but the FBU website urged members to “unite behind the decision”.

Mr Blackler’s colleagues across the borough are also deeply unhappy with the deal to end the long-running dispute, which one Beckenham firefighter called a “sell-out”.

We reported last month Biggin Hill could be earmarked for closure under the plans to save money and make the service “more efficient”.

Mr Blackler added: “There is no doubt Biggin Hill will be back on the agenda for closure.

“This has happened before and the local residents were fantastic in their support.

“I’m sure they will be just as vociferous again.

“In the meantime we will just get on with doing the best job we can.” Under the agreed deal, firefighters will get an immediate four per cent pay rise backdated to November 2002.

A seven per cent rise this November and further increases next summer, which would put average earnings at £25,000, will be dependent on savings made in the coming year.