FIREFIGHTERS' leaders today urged councils to re-think planned cuts to the emergency service.

They say that in the face of heightened terrorist activity, more fire crews are needed on the ground.

In West Yorkshire, Fire Brigades' Union research indicates that 60 jobs will be cut from the front line or re-deployed to community safety roles.

Nationally, 378 firefighting jobs could be slashed, with a further 196 under threat as part of efficiency savings.

In Kirklees, the fire stations at Holmfirth and Skelmanthorpe are to go part- time.

In the past, both have provided full-time cover during the day, becoming retained - part-time - at night.

Under the cuts, both stations will be retained round-the-clock.

London will be the only authority to take on more staff to cope with any terrorist attack.

The FBU has advised authorities to follow the capital's example, where the number of firefighters is being increased by 250.

The FBU says 1,000 more firefighters are needed countrywide.

"Councils have their heads in the sand over this issue," said FBU general secretary Andy Gilchrist.

"There are many strategic targets outside London and the South- East."

He added: "We are seeing a postcode lottery of rescue cover, with people in some areas being given a second-class stamp. The end of the national safety net means we must save the service from going into freefall."