Relations between Essex fire service chiefs and union officials have reached breaking point, with leaders of the fire service now refusing to talk to the union.

Both parties have been at war for months following a row over cuts and disciplinary action taken against 42 firefighters at Basildon Fire sSation.

The union has also passed allegations of what they say is financial mismanagement in the service to the a local government regulator, the district auditor, who is carrying out an investigation.

Now the Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) says it has been told Essex fire chiefs will no longer speak to them about ongoing issues.

Keith Handscomb, FBU executive member for East Anglia, said: “Saying they won’t talk to us is a childish response to very grown-up issues and will do nothing to help resolve the long-running dispute over frontline cuts.

“Some of the claims we, and others, have made are taken seriously enough to be the subject of ongoing investigations.

“The fire service, the fire authority and senior managers are accountable to the public and have to justify what they have done.

“Closing their eyes and refusing to speak to us will not make the issues go away.”

However, deputy chief fire officer, Adam Eckley, put the blame firmly upon union bosses for their conduct.

He said: “It is clear from the tone and content of recent FBU communications that the only interest is in the maintenance of a hostile relationship with service managers and members of the fire authority.

“Until the FBU (Essex) is able to offer constructive, meaningful and productive engagement, then service managers are not interested in pursuing further dialogue.”