POSITIVE talks between the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and Herts County Council led to firefighters suspending a planned 48-hour strike on Thursday. The county council has given the FBU new proposals which it will be considering over the next two weeks. FBU

POSITIVE talks between the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and Herts County Council led to firefighters suspending a planned 48-hour strike on Thursday.

The county council has given the FBU new proposals which it will be considering over the next two weeks.

FBU spokesman Ben Read, who is based at Royston, said: "We are now going to see if FBU members want to accept or reject them.

"Some firefighters I have spoken to think they are a good idea, others do not. But until members are balloted it's hard to say."

Cllr David Lloyd, county council Cabinet portfolio holder responsible for the fire service, said: "Now we can move forward and reach an agreement.

"I'm delighted that our many hours of talks have paid off and I hope we can continue in a constructive and positive way.

"The most important thing now is to put this behind us and work together to ensure that the service continues to provide first-class cover for the county."

The dispute has been over the threat of closure to two fire stations and a change in working arrangements at the Royston fire station.