CREW manager Jeff Crane has worked for the fire service for 25 years.

But, 12 months ago, he joined an LLAR shift pattern at Allerton Fire Station.

Mr Crane, 48, who lives in Aigburth, told the Daily Post: "It's a good system, but it doesn't suit everyone. I do three days on, and three days off.

"You work a lot more hours but are getting paid more money, which is what you go to work for.

"Some fellas do four or five days, but I personally couldn't do that myself. I’m very happy to work it – I’ve got five years left here before I retire, and I could see myself staying here.

"The whole point of the LLAR system is calls are very few and far between.

“They tend to be false alarms and we've got student accommodation here so we're out there a lot. Other than that, I would say we're very quiet for actual fires. You go to more traffic collisions than fires.

"I can't understand why they say it's a down-grading.

“We still respond to the agreed national standards. Some people are under the impression that when we get a call, we have to travel from our homes, but that's a misinterpretation.

“Our accommodation is being built around the back of the fire station. When we do get a call, we’ll respond from the house, which will take about 20 seconds.

"I haven't been challenged by any member of the public about fire cover. There’s definitely no downgrading."