PLANS to cut Greater Manchester Fire Service's five divisions to three have been postponed after an outcry from senior officers and the Fire Brigades Union.

Today the union welcomed the postponement.

The reorganisation was due to take place on April 1. Under the proposals, Bolton, which is currently B division, would become the new West area command, and its area would be extended to include districts such as Salford and Broughton. The union was concerned that 21 officers' jobs would be lost, and more jobs in administration.

They were also concerned that officers would be expected to take on more responsibility for the same pay. There are also implications for the current shift system.

Bob Pounder, brigade secretary of the FBU, claimed the main stumbling block had been the brigade's "unwillingness" to negotiate with the union.

Last month, fire officers voted to take industrial action, which included non-compliance with the re-organisation, claiming the brigade had failed to negotiate.

The National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades, announcing the postponement, said: "We recommend that the parties agree, as soon as possible, a timetable of negotiating meetings."

County Fire Chief George Almond said today he was disappointed that co-operation had not been forthcoming from officers, "but nevertheless intend to resolve the outstanding dispute as soon as possible".

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