A NEW watch is now up and running at Bury fire station as part of a staffing shake-up throughout Greater Manchester.

Traditionally, all fire stations in the county have operated with four watches, or shifts.

However, under the new plans introduced by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, all stations have now reverted to a fifth watch.

The move coincides with certain changes involving working contracts and rosters.

Roy Grundy is in charge of the new amber watch at Bury fire station and has the rank of Watch Commander.

He explained: "In the past, there have been four watches red, blue, white and green. Some personnel have come from these other watches to make up the new Amber Watch."

The partial redistribution of the manpower means that each watch now embraces a total of 11 firefighters, as opposed to the previous figure of 16.

For many years, officers had worked on a strict shift pattern which allowed them four days off.

However, under the shake-up, personnel may be required to work during their days off and the number of hours they serve each week may vary. But on an annual basis, the amount of hours served will be the same as before.

Mr Grundy said: "We have gone on to new contracts and are working under new rostering systems. Under these arrangements, it means that we can work anywhere within Greater Manchester and not just Bury. The new system means a more flexible workforce and its all part of the modernisation process, hopefully for the better."

Although amber adds to the existing four watches operating at Bury fire station, this does not mean a change to the overall level of personnel.

Mr Grundy added: "We have the same amount of manpower on the trucks. We just work different shift patterns." Mr Grundy joined the fire brigade 22 years ago.