THE second phase of a £50 million project to re-build 10 fire stations has been approved.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has received approval for a second private finance initiative (PFI) scheme.

The project was first announced in November 2009.

Its first phase saw approval given for fire stations to be re-built at Kidsgrove, Hanley, Newcastle, Burslem, Cannock, Tamworth and Uttoxeter.

New fire stations in new areas are being built at Sandyford, Rising Brook and Tamworth.

But Treasury approval means the £50 million second phase of the scheme can now go ahead.

It means fire stations will also be re-built at Leek, Stone, Codsall, Burton-upon-Trent, Kinver, Lichfield, Chase Terrace, Rugeley, Penkridge and Ashley. Outline planning approval has been received on all stations and the service is in the process of holding consultation events at all earmarked stations.

Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said: "To secure funding for a second multi-million pound re-building project is unprecedented.

"Our vision to have community fire stations is becoming reality; once they are built almost two thirds of our fire stations will be modern, state-of-the-art community facilities."

The service is inviting tenders for the design, build and maintenance of the 10 fire stations within the second part of the scheme.

A preferred bidder is expected to be selected in autumn 2011, with construction starting in 2012.