FIREFIGHTERS in Greater Manchester are threatening to strike in their battle to save jobs and planned cuts in the service.

A mass meeting will be held at Lancastrian Halls, Swinton, a week on Thursday.

Fire Brigades Union chiefs say feelings are running so high they expect to be given the mandate for a ballot on industrial action.

The union claims 40 jobs could go and front line services cut in a range of cost cutting proposals put forward by brigade bosses last week.

Union secretary Howard Western claims the cuts are unnecessary because the brigade has £11 million in reserve.

"More than 40 jobs across the region are under threat due to these unnecessary cuts," he said.

"Front line services are being cut from a service that is already over-stretched and under-resourced. Cuts like this put the public at risk."

Mr Western issued a warning for members of the union and the public: "The county's fire service is on the road to becoming as crisis ridden and under resourced as the region's health service.

"Judging by the Fire Authority's performance, local councillors will not defend the service's front line against cuts. The people who will have to fight the cuts are the same ones who fight the fires."

The union represents more than 2,000 firefighters and control staff in Greater Manchester.

However, according to the brigade's auditors, Coopers & Lybrand, Greater Manchester Fire Service is in "sound financial shape".

At the authority's finance and policy committee, the auditors said financial management at the authority continues to be sound despite difficult challenges and increasing financial pressure on the budget.

County fire officer, George Almond, said he was pleased with the report, which confirms the brigade is providing value for money and exercising sound judgement in managing its finances.

But he added: "We will continue to maintain our commitment to provide the best possible service by the efficient use of our available resources.

"This is reflected in the efficiency recommendations announced which will now go forward for final approval at a full meeting of the fire Authority in two weeks time."

The strike ballot is expected to take place immediately after the Fire Authority meeting on February 13.

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