FIREFIGHTERS in Bridgwater are set to join a nationwide strike which is expected to last four days, following a row over pensions, according to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

Its members in England will walk out from 6pm on tomorrow (Friday) and return to work on the evening before Guy Fawkes Night – one of the busiest nights of the year for firefighters across Britain.

It means that firefighters will be on strike during Bridgwater Carnival on Saturday.

The FBU has accused the Government of refusing to put forward any new offer regarding pensions despite two months of talks.

FBU members also went on strike in England and Wales in August in a protracted dispute over plans to make firefighters work until they are 60.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Firefighters are incandescent following two months of negotiations which have led to no new proposals.

“Firefighters will not stand by and see our members’ pension rights destroyed by a government which doesn’t give a damn about the safety or wellbeing of firefighters or the long term.

We remain committed to resolving this dispute in the interests of our members and the public at large.”