A DRAMATIC split emerged today in the Fire Brigades Union in Suffolk after a whole section quit rather than take strike action.The Evening Star has learned that, in an unprecedented move, 16 control room staff at fire service headquarters in Ipswich have resigned from the union.

A DRAMATIC split emerged today in the Fire Brigades Union in Suffolk after a whole section quit rather than take strike action.

The Evening Star has learned that, in an unprecedented move, 16 control room staff at fire service headquarters in Ipswich have resigned from the union.

They tore up their membership cards because they were not prepared to take action which could put lives – or property – at risk.

The fire service employs 22 people in its control room, so the decision effectively means that 999 calls should be answered as normal despite any dispute.

FULL STORY IN TONIGHT'S EVENING STAR