ALLEGATIONS of intimidation

Fireman's relief as allegations are dropped

From the Bolton Evening News, first published Tuesday 13th Jun 2000.

ALLEGATIONS of intimidation which plunged an award-winning Bolton fireman into controversy have been dropped.

Fireman Graham Smith MBE - who is still awaiting the outcome of his own complaint against Bolton Station officer Peter Brandon for bullying - described his relief after the allegations were dropped.

The allegation involved a claimed conversation during a shift change. It was withdrawn days after it was made by Bolton Central Fireman Peter Hodgson. Speaking for the first time about the allegations, Mr Smith told the BEN: "It is obviously very upsetting to have an allegation of this type made against you.

"However, the allegations were unsubstantiated. The fact that it was withdrawn so quickly speaks for itself."

Fire bosses at Bolton Central station confirmed the complaint had now been settled.

Assistant Divisional Officer Shaun O'Donnell said: "Effectively the matter has been dealt with and is now closed. I'm not willing to comment on any particulars of the matter."

Mr Smith, who won the MBE award for his work helping Romanian orphans, now has to wait the outcome of his own grievance against the Bolton station officer.

As reported in the BEN, brigade bosses have upheld his complaints about reports penned by station officer Peter Brandon following an incident in December when Graham Smith took his helmet off on a fire call at Bolton Parish Church. The incident is due to go before the regional Fire Brigades' Union within the next week following a series of delays.

Mr Smith added: "I appreciate very much the overwhelming concern and moral support that so many of my colleagues have given me."

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