THREATS to the future of Lancashire firefighters have diminished after EU talks on changing working practices collapsed.

There were fears that the controversial Working Time Directive could see 403 out of 900 firefighters' posts axed, putting lives at risk by reducing emergency cover.

But yesterday all-night talks between governments and MEPs over changes to rules governing the 48-hour working week collapsed.

The failure of the negotiations means Britain and around a dozen other of the 27 countries involved will retain the right for individuals to opt out of the maximum 48-hour working week laid down by an EU directive.

The concerns were sparked after a ruling by the EU's highest court that inactive as well as active "on call time" counts towards working hours.

Bosses said that could have meant part-time 'retained' firefighters would be unable to keep up their duties.

Chris Davies, Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West, said: "There are enough governments wanting to keep the flexible arrangements.

"In effect this means no change, and I welcome that.

"I am very strongly in favour of close European partnership in many areas, but circumstances differ and laws about the hours of work should be decided nationally."

Lancashire Fire chief Peter Holland said there were concerns that 17 retained fire stations would have to be closed.

He said: "I have to be satisfied with this news that there is to be no immediate impact on our working practices.

"There is a measure of relief but we will keep a very close eye on future developments."

The EU employment commissioner, Vladimir Spidla, said: "Although some minor issues were solved, no real movement was shown by either side to find a compromise on the key issues of the opt-out and on-call time.

"This is not a helpful signal of Europe's acting together in the interest of its citizens."