THE services of the Fire Brigade are noted, not just for their speed of delivery, but for their ability to deal with all situations.

So, it is especially unnerving to hear that firemen in Bolton and Leigh are angry about an important high-rise appliance being unavailable locally for long periods.

A hydraulic platform, stationed at Bolton and used for fighting fires in factories and tall buildings, had to be taken to provide cover in Manchester for a time. The ensuing juggling of facilities allegedly left large parts of the district without immediate high-rise cover.

Greater Manchester Fire Service denies that there is a problem with hydraulic platforms or other appliances, but the firemen themselves remain unconvinced.

Tall buildings have mushroomed over the years as land has been at a premium. If there is even the possibility of suitable equipment to tackle high-rise fires being unavailable quickly, then there is a problem. Swift action may well be needed to retain public confidence in what has always been a first-class fire service.

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