SHOPS and businesses in Bolton have placed themselves on alert in response to the firefighters' 48 hour strike.

Offices, supermarkets and shopping centres have warned their staff to be extra vigilant and reviewed their normal procedures.

Morrisons, in Blackhorse Street, has reviewed its policy and asked staff to keep fire escapes clear.

And many places, including the Bolton Evening News, in Churchgate, and Warner Brothers Cinema at Middlebrook have introduced additional measures, including a temporary smoking ban.

And The Market Place in Bolton Town Centre has moved smoking areas to one designated zone as part of a number of extra moves.

Andrew Stringer, technical services manager, said: "We have extra security on duty and are increasing our patrols of areas to ensure waste is removed quickly, and we are asking tenants not to use toasters."

At B&Q Warehouse, off Turton Street, Bolton, there has been a rise in the sales of fire prevention products.

Spokesman William Bromilow said: "I have been monitoring the situation and the shelves are getting quite empty now of smoke alarms, fire blankets and mini-extinguishers."