West Yorkshire firefighters hold talks

Fire representatives share information among crews

West Yorkshire firefighters have held crucial talks ahead of next week's planned industrial action.

On Wednesday representatives from all 50 fire stations in the county attended the meeting at Rothwell Sports Centre in Leeds.

They discussed how the strikes, which could begin on Tuesday October 29, will be co-ordinated.

Since the dispute began the firefighters have held weekly meetings with representatives sharing information among their crews.

Fire Brigade Union Secretary for West Yorkshire Sean Cahill said: "It's a general organising meeting - getting us ready for industrial action.

Weekly meetings

"We're sorting out things like pickets and communications."

Mr Cahill added: "This is the last meeting before the strikes start.

"Every station and the headquarters will have firefighter representatives outside."

Green Goddesses

There will be 29 Green Goddesses covering West Yorkshire if the industrial action goes ahead - half the usual number of engines.

The firefighters will know at 2100 BST on Monday 28 October whether the strike goes ahead or not.