LANCASTER firefighters are claiming 100 per cent public support for their first national fire strike for 25 years.

And members of the Fire Brigades Union say they are happy to answer the public's questions during the strike.

The first 48-hour strike is due to begin on October 29, with a second due to begin on November 2.

If no resolution is reached by that time, a series of eight-day strikes will begin on November 6.

Phil Rigby, secretary of the Lancaster branch of the FBU said: "What we are looking to do is keep public support for our campaign and let people realise that this is our final option.

"What separates us from slaves is that we are able to withdraw our labour.

All other lines of negotiation have broken down.

"Our pay has fallen 36 per cent behind teachers, police and other public service workers.

All we are asking for is pay parity.

" Public support for the strike has been very good.

We are going to be here during the strike and we will be available to receive questions from the public.

They can come and speak to us as we will have a presence outside the fire station.

"Any deal that is put forward would have to be taken on its merits.

What we are not looking to do is diminish conditions of service in order to get fairer wages.

Mr Rigby and colleagues met with Lancaster MP, Hilton Dawson, to discuss the dispute at the weekend.

After the meeting, Mr Dawson said: "There is no doubt that firefighters should receive much better levels of pay.

"I am completely opposed to the fire service going on strike, it will create a very dangerous situation and will certainly not help their cause."

Mr Rigby explained that firefighters will not wait for the Government's independent review, which, he described as a 'sham'.

The union had, he said, set down its timetable in May and the Government had only reacted at the last minute, in the hope of delaying a possible strike.