Essex's Chief Fire Officer today denied he is plotting cuts for the brigade.

David Turner spoke out after Fire Brigades' Union (FBU) accusations that the region's fire chiefs are "quietly getting on with the Government's dirty work".

His comments come as both sides agreed to go back to the table after Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott intervened.

Regional FBU representative Dave Cain said: "Not one of our six chiefs has found the courage to speak out against the crazy, life-threatening plans proposed by the Bain report and Prescott.

"They all know that closing fire stations and cutting firefighters at night, when people are asleep in their beds, will inevitably lead to lives being lost.

"And yet they say nothing whilst quietly getting on with the Government's dirty work."

But Mr Turner replied: "I have not been told by anyone to implement the recommendations made in the Bain report nor have I had talks with any of my colleagues about levels of fire cover at night or any other time for that matter.

"As far as I am concerned the service is not failing nor is it poor performing, but there is no doubt that there is a need for modernisation in terms of the legislation on which the service is founded, in the working practices and the policy-making and negotiating structure which currently exist.

"However, this can only be achieved by the constructive engagement of all parties and the recognition that all parties must play their part in taking the changes forward."

The FBU launched its strike action last year as part of a campaign to get £30,000 a year pay for trained firefighters

Published Thursday, February 6, 2003

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