FIREFIGTERS in Worcestershire are set to strike tomorrow (Friday, October 31) for four days in the longest industrial action taken by the life saving service yet.

It comes after an announcement by Fire Minster Penny Mordaunt MP, which has left local firefighters feeling "betrayed", that the retirement age for firefighters in England would be 60, not 55 as has been agreed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The action will last from 6pm tomorrow until 6pm on Tuesday (Nov 4) and coincides with the run up to bonfire night. During the action there will be a reduced service.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to attend organised fireworks displays this weekend because of the action in order to stay safe, although the union say the decision to strike was not timed to coincide with the run up to bonfire night.

Steven Gould, the Fire Brigades Union Brigade secretary, said: "It is 96 hours of strike action. It's the biggest strike so far. It hasn't got anything to do with bonfire night.

"We haven't held any strikes since August because they alluded to having better offers for is but have come back with the same offer as before.

"We believe we have been led on by the government. We feel we have been betrayed."

The main concern by the fire service union members centres on the fact they could be battling blazes at 60-years-old.

"Sixty year old firefighters are not safe to the public or other firefighters," said Mr Gould.

The fire service have now issued safety advice for bonfire night.

Station Commander Alan Haley from HWFRS said: "We are encouraging people to go along to an organised event with their families and friends as this is by far the safest option. Nevertheless, we recognise that many people will be holding their own bonfire parties and get-togethers, and we want to remind them of some simple firework and bonfire safety tips to help avoid injury or any damage to their property.”

For all the advice and a list of local displays visit hwfire.org.uk.