FIRE chiefs estimate it will cost £400,000 to ensure the safety of spectators at this summer's Commonwealth Games.

Bosses in Greater Manchester said that was the price of being ready for any problems at the tournament's events, which take place at the Bolton Arena and Rivington.

They have sent a report to the Home Office, asking for additional funds. Negotiations are on-going.

The brigade is now at an advanced stage of planning and feels its contingency procedures will make sure the thousands of people who visit the area for the badminton and cycling events will be safe.

They have been working with M2002, the tournament's organisers, the police and ambulance service.

An estimated one million spectators will attend the Games, almost twice the number who visited the Sydney Olympics.

Fire bosses are working on how they would react to an emergency in different environments, from the City of Manchester stadium to the remote, off-road cycling events in Rivington.

The service is also developing plans to take into account events being held in Bolton and other areas to celebrate the Golden Jubilee.

Bob Pounder, Greater Manchester secretary of the Fire Brigade Union, said he was happy with the fire authority's plans for the Commonwealth Games.

He added: "The issue has not been discussed with us at this moment in time, but from what we have heard it sounds like they are well prepared for any problems."

The fire authority originally asked for staff to work on an overtime basis during the Commonwealth Games, which runs from July 25 to August 4.

Mr Pounder said this was rejected by the union, which has operated a no-overtime policy since 1974.

Any incidents will be covered by on duty firefighters, which has led to a saving of £200,000.

The plans were discussed at a meeting of the Greater Manchester Fire Authority yesterday.