Dorset firefighters march for support

The fire authority is meeting to discuss contingency plans

Hundreds of firefighters are taking part in a protest march in Dorchester.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) wants Dorset Fire Authority to support its strike action.

The protest is taking place outside the county council offices where the fire authority is meeting to discuss contingency plans for next week's strike.

The FBU is seeking the authority's backing for their demands for a wage increase to £30,000.

'Public statement'

Kevin Case, Dorset FBU campaign co-ordinator, said: "FBU members cannot understand why Dorset Authority has not publicly given support to their firefighters and fire control staff.

"This dispute has been running for over five months and we haven't had one public statement from any member of the Fire Authority in all that time".

The FBU has been invited to address Tuesday afternoon's meeting in Dorchester.

The first firefighters' strike is due to start on 29 October for 48 hours.