EMERGENCY services have made an impassioned plea for the public not to misuse the 999 line during the Millennium weekend.

Police, fire and ambulance chiefs say an increase in calls for vital emergency services could be at an all-time high during this New Year celebrations.

And the three organisations have asked that people dial 999 only if there is an immediate threat to life or property.

The request also applies to the rest of the year, although the message is being reinforced in the run-up to the new Millennium.

Greater Manchester Police's "999 - It's A Lifeline" campaign was launched earlier this year and incorporated similar messages from the fire and ambulance services.

The joint appeal was made in the hope that the number of hoax and inappropriate calls, which divert emergency vehicles away from people genuinely in need, would be greatly reduced. If people need the police, fire or ambulance they should, in an emergency only, call 999.

For general inquiries call:

Police (0161) 872 5050 (or use a direct dial number if known).

Fire (0161) 736 5866

Greater Manchester Police stressed its telephone system was expected to work normally throughout the Millennium period.

However, in the unlikely event of the 999 system breaking down, police are advising a number of options which the public should follow - in emergencies only.

People should initially try to contact them through the mobile telephone system.

If that is not possible, they should make their way to the nearest police station.

When these are closed, people should use the station's outside telephone.

Police vehicles will be patrolling the main arterial roads in order to make contact if an emergency occur.

Greater Manchester Ambulance Service is staffed in preparation for what could be their busiest period ever.

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