ONE in ten Essex firefighters could lose their jobs if proposed changes to the service go ahead, the Fire Brigade Union claims.

Up to 100 members of the union turned up to lobby the Fire Authority at a meeting at County Hall, Chelmsford. Armed with placards, banners and foghorns, the firefighters hoped to demonstrate against changes to the service in the Integrated Risk Management Plan.

The plan, which was voted through, has been drawn up by top officers within Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to deal with the changing risks affecting the county.

Only a handful of firefighters were allowed inside the room, but dozens filled the corridor, with many more spreading across the pavement outside.

After an hour's discussion, authority members voted by a clear majority in favour of accepting the plan, but on the condition that the chairman of the authority would have a scrutiny role in any decisions.

Speaking after the meeting, Fire Brigade Union chairman Nick Mayes, said: "We could be talking about up to 108 jobs lost."

There are currently 965 firefighters employed by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

FULL REPORT AND PICTURE IN THURSDAY'S ECHO