ANGRY firefighters claim a large area around Bolton was left without adequate cover because a vital appliance was off the road.

The Fire Brigade Union say an hydraulic aerial platform based at Bolton's Moor Lane station was out of action for 15 hours through Wednesday and yesterday .

It is the second reported incident of Bolton being left without its normal number of appliances in recent months.

And it comes as FBU members across Greater Manchester prepare to ballot for industrial action against plans to cut jobs and appliances in a major fire cover review.

An FBU spokesman said: "This latest incident is yet another blow to morale. We are absolutely fed up. We go in to work expecting to man appliances that could be needed at any moment by the people of Bolton."

He added: "It is very, very lucky that there were no major incidents. The platform is not just about fighting fires. What if a workman fell ill on the top of a pylon at the Reebok Stadium? How long would he have to wait before someone could rescue them?

"There are not enough appliances in reserve to provide cover or enough staff to get repairs done quickly. Do we have to wait for a tragedy before someone takes notice?"

A Greater Manchester Fire service spokesman said: "Appliances do break down. But we are confident that adequate fire cover was available with aerial appliances at Bury and Leigh. They can reach Bolton within acceptable response times."

The Greater Manchester Fire Authority is due to meet next Friday to consider the full details of the fire cover review.

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