Poor appraisal for fire authority

The firefighters themselves are praised in the new report

The Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority has been rated among the four worst in Britain in a new report.

The Audit Commission document says the authority is considered "weak" in the way it runs the fire brigade.

While the firefighters themselves are seen to be as good, if not better, than other brigades, the management is criticised as weak on several fronts.

Deputy chief fire officer Eugene Johnson says the report is "unfair" and gives a wrong impression.

The brigade is also criticised for having no staff in its top 5% of earners from black or ethnic groups, or women.

Neighbouring Avon and Somerset Fire Authorities are both seen as "fair".

While, Dorset and Gloucestershire are both placed in the "good" category.