A THREATENED strike by fire crews has been called off.

But, despite securing a victory in their two-year dispute with Cleveland Fire Authority, officers warn it will take some time to repair the loss of trust with their employer.

The decision to drop plans to hold a strike ballot comes in the wake of last week's announcement by the fire authority that it would adhere to six conditions laid out by the Fire Brigades' Union (FBU).

They related to plans to move the brigade's control room from its current Hartlepool base to Cleveland Police's headquarters, at Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough.

Fire officers and control room staff, backed by the FBU, argued that the re-location, along with the suggested merger of control room operations, would lead to a reduction in the service - and ultimately a loss of lives.

Now, the Fire Authority has agreed to suspend the move, pending the union's demands - including proof that the new system for answering calls is effective - being satisfied.

Kevin Gelders, secretary of Cleveland FBU, said he was delighted that a strike has been averted.

"Members were very pleased that the authority was at last acknowledging our requests.

"But it came out loud and clear that there's an awful lot of mistrust over the way the authority has conducted itself."

A Fire Brigade spokesman said: "It has always been the brigade's position that the door to a negotiated settlement was open."