FIREFIGHTERS in Waltham Forest could strike as early as next month, according to the local Fire Brigades Union (FBU) representative, Paul Child.

Pay talks between FBU chiefs and employers' representatives stalled at the last minute.

Ballot papers are now being sent to more than 50,000 firefighters after the FBU accused employers of failing to honour a pay and conditions deal.

It appeared that a deal had been struck to pay firefighters a 3.5 per cent rise from last November and another 4.2 per cent from last month but, according to the employers, talks broke down when FBU chiefs failed to accept that public holidays should be classed as normal working days.

Mr Child, FBU representative for Waltham Forest and Enfield, said the public holiday story had been used as a cover-up and the truth was that the employers simply didn't want to agree to pay the rises.

He said: "We do not mind going to fetes and helping out at events, but to be going round to people's houses on public holidays is ridiculous. Who wants to be taught how to fix a smoke alarm at home on Christmas Day?

"The employers are using this as an excuse to paint us as being lazy. But the truth of the matter is that they will still not pay us the money they agreed to last year."

The strike, which Mr Child said was "inevitable", could hit Waltham Forest as early as next month.

He added: "I feel very sorry for the public because this will lead to strike action again."

The results of the ballot will be known at the end of the month.