Firefighters plan bonfire strikes

Firefighters are to stage two walkouts over the bonfire night weekend in a row over pensions.

But Audlem's Saturday night bonfire spectacular on Saturday night is unlikely to be affected.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) are to stage strikes on Friday, November 1st between 6.30pm – 11pm and on Monday, November 4th, between 6am – 8am.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has called on the public to be vigilant during the two strikes, which will occur during one of the busiest periods in the emergency services' calendar.

A spokesman for CFRS said: "We do have plans and procedures in place that will enable us to continue to protect the communities of Cheshire during strike periods.

"It is especially important to be extra vigilant on Friday night as this falls within the service's bonfire period, which is traditionally a very busy time for fire crews."

Strikes due to take place earlier in the month were cancelled following talks between the Government and FBU. But the FBU claim no progress has been made to protect jobs and pensions.

A CRFS spokesman commented: "It is important to highlight that the strikes being proposed relate to national issues rather than local ones and that action will only be taken by those staff that are members of the Fire Brigade's Union."

Visit the website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/news-events/latest-news/take-extra-care-measures-that-you-can-take-during-the-strike or follow the Cheshire Fire Service on Twitter #takeextracare and Facebook for more safety information.

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