FIREFIGHTERS are disappointed that Swindon Council voted against giving them its full backing in their pensions dispute with the Government.

Over the past year members of the Fire Brigades Union have taken part in national strike action on several occasions in protest at plans to increase their pension contributions and put up the retirement age from 55 to 60.

During Thursday’s full council meeting, held at the Civic Offices, Jim Grant (Labour leader, Rodbourne Cheney) submitted a motion calling for the body to support firefighters receiving adequate remuneration for their service and the contention that the Government plans present a long-term risk to the service.

After debate the motion was amended, with the suggestion of Coun Nick Martin (Con, Shaw), a council representative on the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority, being backed.

The council agreed to note the breakdown in talks between the Government and the unions and took the view that firefighters receive some of the most generous pensions of public sector workers, even with the reforms.

Brent Thorley, Wiltshire FBU secretary, said: “The amendment obviously made a big change to the motion for us. It was most disappointing that the amendment was put forward by someone who sits on the fire authority. It was difficult to take but we thank Labour and Swindon People’s Assembly for giving us their support.”

Before the meeting some councillors joined campaign group Swindon People’s Assembly and firefighters to protest at the Civic Offices about the pension reforms.

“I’m very disappointed that the council could not support what I’d put forward to back the firefighters,” said Coun Grant.

“We will continue to support them in any way we can.”

Brent said that representatives from branches of the FBU from across the country will meet in Manchester on February 10 to discuss their next move.