FIRE bosses are facing a "bitter pill" amid allegations that Horwich firefighters made hoax calls and committed arson to boost wages.

The admission from the brigade's top brass comes after it was revealed Horwich station, Chorley New Road, is at the centre of a police inquiry following allegations made to Greater Manchester Fire Service headquarters.

It has been claimed by an un-named source that part-time firefighters who are on call at night and weekends made the false calls, and deliberately started fires.

They receive about £10 per call-out, in addition to a retainer wage of £1,772 a year for being on call.

Today, Brigade spokesman Assistant Divisional Officer Dave Lewis stressed there would be no cover up as the allegations are investigated.

He added: "The allegations were made in late October, early November and the Divisional Commander immediately brought in the police to investigate.

"The matter is in the process of being investigated and we are awaiting the outcome. No one has been suspended.

"It's not a nice situation to find ourselves in as an authority, but the levels of fire cover will be maintained and if the allegations were to prove true it would result in instant dismissal. It's a bitter pill but we will deal with it."

Crosshead

Fire brigades union bosses today described as "extremely disturbing" the news that detectives are probing the claims.

Mr Bob Pounder, secretary of the Greater Manchester Fire Brigades Union, said morale at the Horwich fire station had been "bad for a long time".

Police and fire sources would not reveal how many part-time firefighters are under investigation, but it is understood that charges against those involved may be imminent. The Horwich station is manned by seven full-time firefighters and 12 part-timers. In December, the BEN revealed how union leaders were calling for its status to be upgraded due to the massive increase in the number of calls Horwich firefighters were having to respond to.

Incidents have doubled during the 15 years the station has been open to just under 900 calls a year.

It is understood the allegations span several years, but just a few months ago the BEN reported how Horwich firefighters were stretched to the limit by an unprecedented spate of arson attacks in the area. Dozens of fires were reported in a few weeks and police were called in to investigate.

A police spokesman said: "We can confirm Greater Manchester Fire Service asked us to investigate allegations of criminal behaviour.

"The matter will be investigated thoroughly by detectives."

Firefighters at Horwich fire station today refused to comment about the allegations.

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