ALL of Evesham's firefighters are planning to strike for the first time in 25 years next week as they fight for a pay increase.

The Evesham unit at Merstow Green is backing industrial action being taken by the Fire Brigade Union as they seek to get a rise of nearly 40%, taking the salary for a full-time firefighter from £21,000 to £30,000.

However, retained firefighters from around the Vale have vowed to step into the breach when the Fire Brigade Union stage the first of two 48-hour and six eight-day walkouts next Tuesday. About 35 part-time firefighters based at stations in Pershore, Broadway and Pebworth, will be operating as normal.

Pershore sub officer Chris Parsons, who worked through the last strike in 1977, called the strike "bad news" and hoped it would be resolved before its start date, on Tuesday.

He added: "The Retained Firefighters' Union has a no strike policy, so it will be business as usual. The last strike in 1977 was not very good. There was lots of animosity between those that worked and those that didn't. I just hope that it doesn't get nasty."

Broadway station officer Tim Crump said: "Although we have sympathy with those going on strike, we will continue to attend our community and also situations where there is a risk of life."

Mel Turbutt, FBU Evesham branch chairman, said: "We've got 100% support from all the firefighters in Evesham and we will be going on strike unless something comes up in the meantime.

"Our employers wanted to make us an offer of 16%, but the government intervened and told them to offer us 4%, which is derisory.

"The main thing I am concerned about is that there's going to be lack of cover for road traffic accidents, which we get a lot of around here. The Army has got minimal firefighting capability and most of them will not have a team equipped to carry breathing apparatus.

Hereford and Worcester spokesman Alec Mackie said: "In Worcestershire, the RAF will be providing cover with one or two Green Goddesses in areas which are not being covered by the full-time firefighters. I believe that they will be based at Worcester."