HAMPSHIRE firefighters' union leaders have called for talks with county Fire Authority members over controversial plans which could lead to the axing of station cooks.

As revealed by the Daily Echo, a shake-up of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's catering under new health and safety rules would mean firefighters having to rustle up their own meals.

But the move has left the Fire Brigades' Union fuming.

Now it has invited members of the local Fire Authority to meet union officials ahead of the authority meeting later this month to discuss the full consequences.

Currently catering arrangements at the 11 fire stations include providing part-time cooks who prepare meals for crews and clean and maintain the station's kitchen facilities.

The cooks provide meals during weekday shifts and firefighters prepare their own meals during their 15-hour night shifts and at weekends.

The union says that the move to give station cooks the chop would be a recipe for disaster.

Union membership secretary Wayne Parsons, said: "Firefighters are genuinely and justifiably concerned that the plans to introduce staggered meal breaks will have a serious and detrimental affect on training due to the scattering of crews at various times during the day."

He added: "Firefighters are also concerned over the prospect of having to join a queue of up to 17 colleagues to use microwave ovens, toasters and a kettle."

Under the new proposals, firefighters would be expected to bring in their own food and drink for each shift and would be barred from preparing meals for their colleagues.

Mr Parsons added: "The majority of firefighters at the 11 affected fire stations are already trained in basic food hygiene and well practised at preparing meals for up to 17 colleagues."

He added: "It is important to remember that, unlike most other workers, firefighters' meal breaks are not an opportunity to visit the local shops, cafes or restaurants.

"Firefighters must remain together as a crew and be prepared to respond to an emergency fire call in the usual manner."

Meanwhile, part-time cooks were due to hold a meeting today to discuss moves on how to save their jobs.