KEIGHLEY firefighters are due to stage another walkout as part an ongoing dispute over planned pension changes.

The latest strike by Fire Brigades Union members, for nine hours, is scheduled to start at 10am next Thursday, July 10.

The programme of industrial action began last year in opposition to a proposed increase in employee pension contributions and the raising of the retirement age to 60.

Over a dozen strikes have now been held.

West Yorkshire brigade bosses say a below-normal level of cover will be provided during the latest walkout and they urge the public to be extra careful.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton said: “The announcement of a further period of strike action is extremely concerning.

“Once again we will be required to instigate a contingency plan to provide essential fire cover across the county.

"This will not be our normal level of cover and resources will be spread thinly thereby restricting our ability to attend incidents with the speed, type and size of response that we ordinarily do. I emphasise the need for everyone to take extra care and not to place any unnecessary, non-emergency demand on our reduced resources."