FIREFIGHTERS are being urged not to intimidate colleagues who cross picket lines if strike action goes ahead in Basingstoke.

This weekend saw hopes rise that a walkout over pay can be averted after leaders of the Fire Brigades' Union called off the two 48-hour strikes planned for this week.

The union leaders - who are seeking a 40 per cent pay hike for their members - will hold further talks with their employers on Wednesday and Thursday.

While the strike climbdown has been welcomed by the Government and local authorities, the threat of further action remains if the pay row is not resolved.

At a special meeting in Basingstoke on Friday, union representatives urged members not to intimidate any firefighters who cross picket lines if industrial action takes place.

The 45 staff who attended the meeting at the West Ham Close fire station were also told that they should not condemn people who attend the scene of a major incident during strike action.

Firefighter Paul Norton told the group that if there is a major incident, the picket line could receive a phone call for help from the police. This sparked off a debate between those who favour breaking the strike in those circumstances and members who feel this would prolong the action.

"If people's lives are at risk, and if you feel the need to go, then go," said Firefighter Norton, encouraging members not to condemn each other for the decisions they make. He added: "It is morally on your conscience."