A West Yorkshire fire chief has hit back at claims that there will be cut backs in Wharfedale's fire service.

Chief Fire Officer Phil Toase has dismissed claims that the fire talks could lead to job losses at Rawdon Fire Station, which covers Wharfedale.

He has accused the Fire Brigade's Union of 'scaremong-ering' to drum up public support.

"In the past week we have had stories handed to the press about looming cuts in the Calderdale and Wharfedale areas. Where will it end?," he said.

"I appreciate that the Fire Brigades Union is anxious about the Bain Report and the Deputy Prime Minister's threat to take direct control of pay and conditions of employment but it can do no good to alarm people unnecessarily."

The move comes after the Wharfedale Observer reported the fears of local firefighters worried at the prospect of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott taking direct control of the fire service.

Sub Officer at Rawdon Fire Station Chris Clark told the Wharfedale that if regulations were placed on the fire service Wharfedale and Aireborough were likely to suffer.

He expressed concerns that if stations closed when new regulations were enforced the Wharfe Valley would be the first to suffer, because they do less calls than the inner city stations.

Chief Fire Officer Toase has pledged consultation about any changes over the future framework of the brigade and believes it is too early for anyone to comment on specific details.

"The simple truth is that we don't have any detail about the future framework the Fire Service will be working within," he said.

"It is inconceivable that I would ever recommend or support changes which would compromise public safety.

"Regardless of legislative requirements, we in West Yorkshire would always wish to consult fully with local stakeholders, including the FBU.

"Nothing would be sneaked in via the backdoor. I implore everyone to act responsibly.

"If firefighters have concerns by all means they should express them through the legitimate channels, but not in a way bound to raise panic."

Sean Cahill, secretary of West Yorkshire Fire Brigade Union, said it was a difficult situation as there were no firm proposals and many firefighters feared for their jobs because of this uncertainty.

"As I understand it Nick Raynsford addressed a meeting of chief fire officers and told them to start drawing up risk assess-ments within their areas in view of the Bain Report.

"But the number of calls does not indicate risk, we want it assessed on risk to life."

The FBU announced on Tuesday that it would suspend further strikes so it could meet with employers following constructive" intervention of the Government over the bitter pay dispute.