Basildon's most senior firefighter has said the news that Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is to take direct control of the fire service "will not make any difference at all".

Olly Holford, Basildon's station commander, said Mr Prescott has resorted to using "bullyboy" tactics because he cannot get his own way.

Firefighters are in the middle of a 48-hour strike in the dispute over pay and a further two-day strike is planned for Saturday.

The latest announcement means Mr Prescott will negotiate directly with Fire Brigades Union leader Andy Gilchrist over pay and modernisation claims and not through the service's employer.

However, Government officials have decided not to ban any further strikes despite calls from Conservative MPs to outlaw the dispute.

The Government is believed to be thinking of introducing emergency legislation to try to break the deadlock, although it is not clear what the new moves will be.

Mr Holford, who is also the officers' union representative for Essex, said: "We half expected the Government to take an injunction out on us and we spoke about this Friday night and took the vote we would continue striking.

"Mr Prescott is trying to use an old law to try to get it right but I would not have any beliefs this would cause a settlement.

"He is just a bullyboy because he cannot get his own way and I do not think it will make a difference."

Firefighters are campaigning for an average of a 40 per cent but have been offered an initial four per cent with a further seven per cent later this year.

Mr Holford said: "Ironically Mr Prescott says the strikes have cost £70million which would have covered the pay rise."

Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003

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