Winchester firefighters say Government threats to stop strikes have made them all the more determined to pursue the pay claim.

Earlier this week, deputy prime minister, John Prescott, outlined plans to introduce new legislation to pave the way for an imposed settlement.

He is threatening to reactivate the 1947 Fire Services Act, which will allow the Government to specify pay, terms and conditions. But on Winchester picket lines, firefighters were unhappy about the decision.

On Wednesday, the second day of this week's 48-hour strike, leading firefighter Ray Cousins said: "The Government has shown its true colours now with this, but I think they're worried about the threat of war as well.

"They say the strike is costing a million pounds a day, so why don't they just pay us? The strike on Saturday is still going ahead, and officials are meeting the TUC. That's the first time they are taking some responsibility. They are now talking about a one-day strike for all the public services.

"Public support has been much greater since Prescott's announcement. It's interesting, I think they're more behind us now than they were at the start of this strike."

Sub-officer Dave Graham added: "John Prescott's done us the world of good in terms of public support. On Wednesday, it was absolutely fantastic. I think he's just shot himself in the foot with his announcement."

Hampshire Fire Brigades Union spokesman, Wayne Parsons, criticised the Government's latest move as "bully-boy tactics" which showed they were only interested in saving money and reducing the quality of the fire service.

"It proves that this government is simply not interested in anything anyone has to say unless it is to agree with their plans, the policies and their intentions," he added.

FBU leader, Andy Gilchrist was due to visit Winchester's fire station last night (Thursday) to talk to union branch officials about the pay campaign and about a possible separate strike over the dismissal of a Basingstoke firefighter. The next 48-hour strike is scheduled to begin at 9am tomorrow (Saturday).