THE Fire Brigades’ Union don’t believe the latest round of strikes will put public safety at risk during a weekend of fireworks events across Swindon.

For four days from 6pm today, members will be taking to the picket lines until 6pm on Tuesday, as part of a dispute over Government plans to reform pensions.

The latest walkout is against plans to increase pension contributions and put up the retirement age to 60.

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says it will still be providing cover but their emergency response teams will be reduced.

Some members of the public are concerned at the timing of the strikes, the longest to date against these issues, because bonfire displays are expected to take place across Swindon this weekend.

Brent Thorley, Wiltshire FBU secretary, said: “I don’t think people are too concerned given that we’ll be back on duty by November 5, which is actually bonfire night.

“If anyone is concerned and doing fireworks this weekend, I’d ask them to postpone letting them off until next weekend.

“If anyone is going to bonfire displays this weekend, they should be fine, as there should be sufficient health and safety procedures in place.

“During the four days we will be on the picket lines, outside fire stations, so the public know what is happening.

“When we’ve done this previously, the public often engage with us and talk about the issues so they understand things from our perspective.”

Wiltshire’s fire service is calling for the public to take extra care during the strikes.

Simon Routh-Jones, Wiltshire’s chief fire officer, said: “While the industrial action is ongoing, we will still respond to 999 calls but it may take us a little longer than usual to arrive.

“We would therefore urge everyone to take extra care to stay safe, which will hopefully reduce the number of calls we receive.”

This strike, unlike others previously, will only include firefighters from England with their colleagues in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland either agreeing a pension deal or currently in negotiations.

Brent said: “The landscape has changed compared to previous action.

“Westminster has had the opportunity to offer us a deal but as yet they have failed to do so.

“It now feels like this has become a political dispute and that is extremely disappointing.

“The shorter strikes haven’t had the desired effect, so we hope the Government takes notice this time.”

Brent said that the FBU hasn’t ruled out further lengthy strikes if a resolution isn’t met.

For safety advice visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/fbustrike.