'Reluctant' firefighters in walk-out

They say they have done so with extreme reluctance but like colleagues nationwide are disappointed by a "derisory pay offer" which would give them four per cent this year with a strings-attached offer of a further seven per cent next year.

Two 50-year-old "Green Goddess" Army vehicles based at Bulverhythe TA Centre constituted the sole fire cover for Bexhill and Hastings during the first 48-hour strike, which ends 6pm firday 15th november.

No call-outs had been reported by the time the Observer went to press.

ussex Police Traffic Division officers were detailed to provide "twos and blues" escort for the museum-piece Bedfords. With a top speed of 45mph, the Goddesses lack emergency lights and horns. Their crews are strangers to the area and require police to guide them.

All 13 full-time firefighters at Bexhill plus their 11 part-time colleagues took action. County-wide, the strike has involved brigade staff up to principal officer level.

Station Fire Brigades Union representative Mark Mitchell summed up the mood on the eve of Wednesday's strike.

"It is extremely disappointing. I really didn't think it would come to this.

"A lot of people are devastated.

"We feel we have been pushed into this by the national employers and the Government."