FIREFIGHTERS returned to the picket lines yesterday as part of their ongoing pension dispute with the Government.

The 24-hour national action, which came to an end at 7am today, is against plans to raise the retirement age from 55 to 60 and increase pension contributions.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members have spent more than a year battling on Government holding several strikes.

Brent Thorley, Wiltshire FBU secretary, said: “I was at Swindon station this morning on the picket line and the response from the public was utterly superb.

“Each time we strike the response seems to be getting better and better.

“It is the best thing having the public’s support as it genuinely does hurt the members to take this type of action.”

This latest strike coincided with a rally and protest in Westminster, assembling from noon at Methodist Central Hall.

Brent and several fellow Wiltshire branch members travelled to London for the demonstration.

He said: “It is important for us to have a presence locally and in London to highlight this issue.”

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service provided a reduced emergency response cover during the strike.