GWENT firefighters have given a cautious welcome to news that the planned eight-day fire strike is suspended.

The strike, due to start tomorrow, was called off at 4.30pm yesterday, as Fire Brigades Union leader Andy Gilchrist announced that talks would go ahead with conciliation service, ACAS, in a bid to find an end to the dispute.

A Gwent union boss who was among those who voted to suspend the action said: "It's the best way forward."

Rogiet's Mike Smith, who is an executive member of the FBU, was in London yesterday for the crucial vote.

Mr Smith, pictured with Mr Gilchrist, is also deputy leader of Monmouthshire council. He said: "The executive council decided unanimously to suspend the next strike and to accept the offer of talks with ACAS. The FBU and the local government negotiators will meet ACAS separately to explore ways of resolving the dispute.

"The talks will start this week and will be in two stages. The first will be to find a route and a mechanism for talks between the two sides and the second more detailed discussions to resolve the issues. At the moment any conclusions reached will not be binding arbitration.

"I'm certain that the members I represent in Wales will be happy that this is the best way forward.

"At the moment the next eight-day strike beginning on December 16 is still live and will go ahead if there is no progress in the talks. We have not backed down, we are still as determined as ever to win fair pay for our members. The government has done nothing positive to help resolve this dispute but we have always wanted to find a negotiated settlement."

Both the government and local authority negotiators welcomed the move and said they would co-operate with any talks process.

Full-time Caldicot firefighter Nigel Williamson said last night: "No firefighter wants to be on strike and we've always wanted to find another way of resolving this dispute

"Things were getting more and more bitter and I think it's good that both sides pull back and look at their positions and let things cool down.

"But we have to remember that ACAS has no power and the government could pull the rug out at any moment."