REGARDING the firefighters' dispute.

I see 'Two Jags' John Prescott telling firefighters that their claim is unrealistic (and I agree that 40 per cent is a bit much in one lump). But firefighters deserve a decent living wage as they do a very dangerous job, and Prescott and the other fat cat MPs had no qualms about giving themselves a massive increase and a CUT in working hours.

So to block a 16 per cent increase, which Two Jags did, is nothing short of an insult to firefighters. The figure of £8 50 per hour is a fraction of what he gets. And to add fuel to the flames, he now hints that untrained personel may be allowed to use firefighters' equipment. I hope that the Health and Safety have something to say about this. I am not a firefighter, nor do I have any close contact with any.

I Camick

Leigh Common

Westhoughton