Another fire service strike in Warwickshire this weekend

Members will be walking out of stations across the county on Friday (December 13) and on Saturday (December 14) from 6pm to 10pm on both evenings.

These will be the fifth and sixth strikes since the end of September.

Rob Moyney, area commander for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Sadly the FBU has announced further strike dates and we await developments as to what action short of a strike may entail locally.

“I can only repeat how regrettable this is and our hope that this national dispute would have been resolved by now.

“Warwickshire FRS will once again implement its contingency plan to provide the best possible fire service to the community whilst strike action takes place.”

Mr Moyney said the service will be taking 999 calls throughout the strike periods, but may not be able to respond to some requests due to a reduced level of cover.

He said: “We have run a number of exercises to test our contingency planning to prepare for the strike.

“Our focus will be to prioritise calls where a life may be at risk or if someone needs to be rescued. Our response must be to those most in need of our assistance.

“We would ask people to make 999 calls wisely so that only emergency calls are made but if in doubt, then they must not hesitate to still call 999.”

He urged people to be extra cautious and to read the safety information on the service’s website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue