Army troops in fuel tanker training

Soldiers have been receiving training in the Midlands as they prepare to step in if there is a fuel tanker strike, it has been revealed.

Troops were spotted working at a petrol station in the Black Country and were seen being given instructions in how a Wincanton tanker worked at the Total petrol station on Wolverhampton Road close to Junction 2 of the M5 in Oldbury.

Yesterday's development came hours before talks aimed at averting the strike, which were described as constructive, were adjourned.

Leaders of the Unite union spent two days meeting officials from six distribution firms to try to resolve a dispute over terms and conditions and health and safety.

The discussions, chaired by conciliation service Acas, ended last night and will resume after Easter. Acas's Peter Harwood said: "After 24 hours of discussions over two days between Unite and the six fuel distribution contractors, talks adjourned at 10pm with the parties agreeing to meet again with Acas next Tuesday.

"The discussions have been constructive with the parties positively engaged and committed to the process.

"We are pleased that they have agreed to continue their discussions with Acas next week.

The dispute over terms and conditions and health and safety has been brewing for more than a year but flared up last month when Unite announced that workers in five firms had voted to strike. The Government advised motorists to top up with fuel, leading to chaotic scenes at garages across the country as people queued for petrol.

The union will have to give seven days' notice of any industrial action.

Ministry of Defence spokesman Ben Wilkinson said said the training of Armed Forces drivers to operate civilian tankers was "prudent planning" on its behalf.

He said: "When training is complete, the number of tanker crews ready to deliver fuel is likely to run into the hundreds. Training has begun."

Delivery firm Wincanton confirmed it was providing training for military drivers.

Photographer John Kennett, aged 37 from Tipton, captured the training at around 3pm yesterday afternoon.