PROPOSALS to part-privatise the fire service have been slammed in Worcester - with front line workers saying they fear the consequences.

The Government is backing radical plans to turn cash-strapped fire brigades into "companies" able to sell their services to private sector customers.

Under the move, fire and rescue services would become employee-owned 'mutual companies' given contracts by councils to offer geographical cover.

They could also sell their services to private firms, with ministers saying it would be a way of off-setting swingeing budget cuts over the next few years.

It comes at a time when Hereford and Worcester Fire & Rescue Service is slashing £6 million, with 34 jobs being axed.

Steve Gould, secretary of the Fire Brigades' Union (FBU) Worcester branch, said: "We provide a public service funded by council tax payers and privatisation or part-privatisation is not the answer.

"I think this is very dangerous and the public will suffer if this creeping privatisation is allowed.

"We are worried about our terms and conditions, this a way of central Government offering even less money to fire brigades.

"I do not believe front line public services should go down this route."

Councillor Richard Udall, Labour group leader on the fire authority, said: "The Government is playing with fire, this is absolutely barmy.

"It's a nonsensical policy."

The Government says it would lead to greater investment in fire services, and that one part of the country, Cleveland, is already going down that path.

Ian Hayton, chief fire officer in Cleveland, says his service is losing £5.8 million from a £30 million budget, and that staying as they are would lead to more "salami slicing" of firefighters.

He also said pay, terms and conditions of staff would still continue to be set nationally.

The Government says after the next General Election it wants the idea to be replicated nationally.

The change would be modelled on John Lewis, the popular department store.

Councillor Derek Prodger, fire authority chairman in Worcestershire, says the FBU and Government need to resolve their differences to avoid more crippling strikes.

He added that he would need to look at the Cleveland example first before forming any view.

Fire minister Penny Mordaunt said: "We recognise that locally-led mutual fire and rescue authorities can offer new and innovative ways of delivering more services more efficiently and effectively."

She said the Government is "supportive" of any fire authorities which want to follow the Cleveland example.