FIREFIGHTERS are "on the brink" of strike action over cuts to the service.

The Greater Manchester branch of the Fire Brigades Union is recommending that its members vote for strike action in a ballot to be held shortly.

They are protesting against proposed cuts which will mean 36 job losses and three pieces of equipment being mothballed.

"The union has stated it has no wish to embark on strike action, but will, if forced, fight to preserve the present conditions for the health and safety of its members and the protection of the public," said Bob Pounder, the newly elected secretary of the FBU.

Union bosses wrote to chief fire officer Mr George Almond last week formally warning him of their intention to press for a strike vote.

"The response offers no hope whatsoever of the avoidance of strike action," said Mr Pounder.

He added: "At a time when emergency calls are soaring and fire-related deaths and injuries are increasing we cannot afford to cut 36 firefighter jobs and lose three front-line appliances".

Ms Lorraine Roberts, public relations officer for the brigade, said they hoped the strike ballot would not take place.

"It would not be in the interests of the brigade or the public of Greater Manchester," she said.

Ms Roberts said the cuts were proposed in the county fire review, which was a professional review of the needs of the community for fire service.

"We have to keep an ongoing review of fire cover, as the population changes and buildings are built or demolished, and change fire cover when it is necessary," she said.

She denied the cuts were forced by cuts in financial support from the Government.

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