THE bitter pay row by firefighters could soon be resolved although a ballot for strike action is still going ahead in Greater Manchester.

The Fire Brigades Union's national executive council has recommended proposals to break the deadlock over the 3.5 per centpay rise due since last November.

The union will consult its members through regional and brigade committees and the executive council will meet again on Wednesday, June 2, and consider the results of the consultation exercise.

However, firefighters in Whitefield and across Greater Manchester are still angry at the way colleagues in Broughton, Salford and other stations were treated after they refused to use anti-terrorism equipment until the outstanding pay increase is paid.

More than 160 firefighters were sent home without pay on a number of days for rejecting requests to crew or support new decontamination units.

A ballot for industrial action will still be sent out while consultation continues between firefighters and their union leaders.

Station Officer Steve Simpson from Whitefield Fire Station, whose Blue Watch crew, along with those at Bury and Ramsbottom, opted to respond to 999 calls only on Wednesday afternoon, said: "We will consult with our union on the proposed new wording in the 2003 agreement and, hopefully, we will finally get the monies owed to us from last year in our pay deal.

"However, the way County Fire Officer Barry Dixon has treated our colleagues, by sending them home without pay, has disgusted many of us. Crews at neighbouring Broughton, Farnworth and Salford, and those at stations across North Manchester have been the victim of bully-boy tactics by Barry Dixon.

"There could still be great support for strike action in response to the County Fire Officer's handling of this matter."

Mr Dixon has welcomed a possible end to the row and said he regrets that firefighters across the county had been sent home during the dispute.

He said: "Fire fighters just want to get on with their jobs of protecting the community. We are proud of our service and the recent dispute has been distressing for everyone.

"I want to see all firefighters properly recognised and rewarded. I regret very much that some firefighters in Greater Manchester had to be sent home following refusal to work normally."