MEMBERS of the Fire Brigades’ Union put down their hoses for 24 hours in the latest industrial action taken as part of the dispute over pension reforms.

From 9am yesterday to 9am this morning, firefighters walked out against plans to increase pension contributions and put up the retirement age to 60.

Brent Thorley, Wiltshire FBU secretary, said: “We joined many FBU members in Aylesbury yesterday as part of our demonstration as we wanted to make as much impact as possible by bringing together as many members to the same place as we could.

“We wanted the Government to have a debate on the issue in Parliament to make it an issue of democracy rather than something the Government just put on us, but they had up until Monday evening to have the debate, and they didn’t do it, so unfortunately we’re taking action.”

Brent added that since the dispute started more than a year ago, members of the public have become more aware of the arguments and there has been a growing support for the firefighters.

He said: “I think there is more understanding from the public about why we’re striking and support has grown for what we are doing.”