FIRE chiefs have come under attack after launching yet another attempt to overturn a ruling that they wrongly sacked four firefighters.

Their three-year battle to confirm the dismissals of the four men was dealt a massive blow last month when a second senior judge threw out their appeal.

But despite having already had Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and a judicial review rule they were in the wrong, bosses are now going to the Court of Appeal to present their arguments in person.

Union chiefs have criticised the authority for prolonging the matter yet again.

The long-running feud has already swallowed an estimated £2m of taxpayers' cash after Richard Thoroughgood, Barry Kearley, Steve Dunbar and Bernie Ross were sacked after bullying allegations at Basingstoke fire station five years ago.

Fire Brigades Union spokesman Roy Goring said: "We are disappointed. It's been bad enough for the past three years for the firefighters and this is prolonging it for them. It's about time they laid it to rest."

Last summer, John Prescott ruled that the men should never have been dismissed over allegations of insubordination.

A judicial review in February this year also ruled that the men should be allowed back to work.

Last month the Court of Appeal's civil division announced the county's fire service had been refused permission to appeal, leaving them a last alternative of appealing in person, which they are pursuing.

Mr Kearley, 41, said: "We are still confident but unfortunately for us the legal process left them the chance to appeal again.

"They're exhausting every avenue but I don't think they have a hope in hell of winning."

Authority chairman Michael Cartwright said in a letter to the firefighters that they decided to press on with the case following advice from a "leading counsel".

FBU spokesman Mr Goring also hit out at brigade bosses for arranging a meeting in Chandler's Ford tonight for those who previously worked with the firefighters. It was planned to discuss issues surrounding their possible return.