WILTSHIRE Fire Service is finalising contingency plans to provide emergency cover when firefighters stage more walk outs this weekend.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union are due to down tools between 6pm and 10 pm on Friday and Saturday in their dispite with the Government over pension reform.

Full time stations at Chippenham, Swindon, Stratton, Westlea, Trowbridge and Salisbury are expected to be out of action along with the part time stations at Calne, Pewsey, Melksham and Calne.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Routh-Jones said: “These will be the fifth and sixth walkouts by members of the Fire Brigades’ Union since September, and it is frustrating that the two sides in this national dispute have not been able to reach any sort of agreement.

“As on previous occasions, we will be making every effort to provide the best possible fire cover for the communities of Wiltshire and Swindon, but we will be operating with reduced resources and this will have an effect.”

He added: “During the industrial action, we will still be responding to 999 calls, but it may take us a little longer than usual to arrive and with larger premises, we may send a smaller attendance than usual in the first instance. We are now getting into Christmas party season, so we really need people to take extra care.”