RESIDENTS have been warned not to hold impromptu firework displays next weekend after the Fire Brigades Union announced a four day strike.

From 6pm next Friday, members of the union in England will walk out until November 4, the night before bonfire night.

The action is being taken as part of a dispute with the government. which has lasted more than a year, over pensions and changes to the retirement age. It will be the longest strike action taken so far.

Union bosses have said the majority of organised displays will have followed formal safety procedures so will not be at risk but back garden bonfires should be postponed.

Brent Thorley, the Wiltshire FBU secretary, said: “What we would advise people to do is either postpone it until the following weekend or bonfire night itself.

“The strike will have finished before bonfire night so it can still go ahead. We were having these discussions last year but people were sensible and there were no issues.

“This is a long action but it shows how seriously we feel about the issue and how we feel we have been strung along by the government.”

The dispute centres on plans to increase pension contributions and put up the retirement age to 60. There is a concern among union members that many at this age will not pass the rigorous fitness exams.

It was hoped common ground had been found in recent months but the FBU feel they have been misled during talks and the time has come to step up the action.

“We have asked to see certain figures for several meetings and were told each time they would be available at the next meeting,” said Brent.

“But at the latest they told us there was nothing so we are back where we were a year ago. We will not be joined by firefighters in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland because there is progress so it shows a deal can be done.

“It just seems though that in Westminster there is a determination not to back down to the unions, which is why we are here.”

In the past, actions have been called off following the offer of meaningful talks, and Brent says this will happen again but is sceptical of an offer.

He said: “If they come forward then of course we will cancel the action. None of our members want to be doing this so we will listen to serious talks.

“At this stage though I just don’t see that happening.”

Fire Minister, Penny Mordaunt said: “This strike action is completely unnecessary and we are disappointed by the FBU's decision.

“In the last few months when industrial action has not taken place we have made good progress on issues of concern to fire fighters, and anticipate being able to lay the pension regulations shortly. Firefighters will have one of the most generous pensions in the public sector in recognition of the risks they take.

“During industrial action public safety will remain our primary focus and we have tried and tested contingency plans in place. If they need help, people should dial 999 and they will get a response.”

The strike action will coincide with the popular fireworks display and bonfire at Lydiard Park on Saturday night which attracts hundreds of spectators. The Swindon Lions will also host their fireworks display at the Polo Ground on the same night.