More soldiers train for tanker dispute

Soldiers preparing for a possible fuel tanker strike have been continuing their training in the Black Country.

An operation took place at the Esso filling station at Tesco Express in Lichfield Road, Wednesfield.

Soldiers in full uniform were seen arriving at the station at 11am yesterday.

They arrived in an unmarked tanker and were seen being given instructions in how the filling station operated.

It comes after soldiers received similar training at the Total petrol station on Wolverhampton Road near junction two of the M5 in Oldbury last week.

Ministry of Defence spokesman Ben Wilkinson said the training of armed forces drivers to operate civilian tankers was "prudent planning". 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.

Talks aimed at averting a strike by fuel tanker drivers were resuming today.

The dispute over terms and conditions and health and safety flared up last month when Unite announced that workers in five firms had voted to strike. It will have to give seven days' notice of any industrial action.