FIRE chiefs say they are pressing ahead with a major upgrade of the brigade’s Bury

training centre.

And new community fire stations have been pledged for Whitefield and Heywood.

Work is said to be underway already on improving welfare facilities at the training centre in Wellington Street, which was opened in 2015 at a cost of £11m.

‘Carbon reduction measures’, such as LED lighting, solar panels and battery storage have been earmarked for stations in Bury, Horwich, Stretford, Rochdale, Wigan and Ashton.

An operational contract was reportedly signed with H.H.Smith for the improvements to the training centre in September.

Bev Hughes, the city region deputy mayor responsible for the fire service, said: "“This programme of improvements across many (GM) community fire stations and facilities is vital and an essential investment in our city-region’s fire and rescue service, its staff members, and our communities.

"It will also contribute to our ambition of becoming carbon neutral and maximise the potential of our blue-light and other public services to work collaboratively to support local neighbourhoods.”

Chief fire officer Dave Russel said: "The £38m investment approved by the deputy mayor represents a major support boost for our service in delivering our Fire Plan. It will enable us to focus on strategic priorities which include investing in our facilities and ensuring they are fit for purpose for years to come."