IT has been business as usual for Wyre Forest firefighters for the last two days after the first of a series of planned strikes was called off.

The two-day walkout, which would have included full-time and part-time firefighters in Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport, was due to start on Tuesday but was cancelled to allow time for more talks between union officials and the Government over wages.

The second in the series of strikes, planned for Sunday, has also been cancelled while negotiations continue - although if an agreement is not reached the picket lines will be manned for eight days from Wednesday.

Only one "Green Goddess", manned by soldiers, will be based at Kidderminster's Territorial Army base at The Shrubbery, Birmingham Road, to cover the whole of the district if the walkout goes ahead.

Eight-day strikes are also planned for November 22, December 4 and December 14.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade has issued advice in the event of a strike, on topics such as escape routes and ensuring all detection and firefighting equipment is working.

Full details are available from the freephone fire advice line, 0800 032 1155, or from the brigade's website at www.hwfire.org.uk.

Meanwhile, a former chairman of the Hereford and Worcester Fire Service Committee has backed the call for a wage of £30,000, a rise from £21,500, for full-time firefighters.

Nigel Knowles was on the committee, which takes decisions on issues such as budget and recruitment, while a Worcestershire county councillor from 1993 until 1995.

He said it is the Government's fault if its assertion that the service needs to be more efficient is true, as the Home Office carries out reviews every four or five months.

"Firefighters deserve a proper rate for doing a fantastic job," he added.