Firefighters at Sellafield who staged a one day strike yesterday over pay and conditions will walk out again on Thursday if bosses fail to find a solution.

Members of the GMB union carried out the first of two planned 12 and a half hour strikes, picketing at all five of the nuclear site's gates.

GMB senior organiser Chris Jukes said firefighters were willing to talk with Sellafield's management but if no solution could be reached they would walk out again.

"There's a strong feeling of sadness at striking," he said. "The firefighters can't believe they have been put in this position

"They've had three evaluations in the last few years, all giving the same figures, and the management has refused to honour it.

"Apparently the company has said it wants to fix it and we want to talk and resolve it. It seems to be rhetoric from the company, we're waiting to see what happens.

"Our members are up for settling the dispute. It's the first firefighters' dispute on site ever, that tells you about the level of unrest.

"The firefighters said we've had three evaluations in the last few years and they're stringing us along.

"From the feedback on the gates, people were saying it's about time someone did this. They understand why they haven't provided safety cover."

However, Sellafield said it remains open to further discussion with the union, which "decided not to provide safety cover during this strike".

A spokesman said: "The safety and security of the Sellafield site, our workforce and the local community are our priorities during this industrial action.

"In an unprecedented step, the GMB has decided not to provide safety cover during this strike. As a result, we've made arrangements for a private sector provider to supply this.

"The company's firefighters have extensive experience and have undergone specific training ahead of working at Sellafield."

The fire crew, which believes it has been underpaid for years, called off a strike in July to give Sellafield's management time to find a resolution before the end of September but no agreement could be made.

Traffic on the A595, leading towards the site, was tailed back to Bigrigg due to the strike and Monday night's severe weather.