FIREFIGHTERS could be called on to take strike action after Hertfordshire County Council approved cuts to the service. The Crow can reveal that in a straw poll, 90 per cent of Fire Brigades Union members said they would strike if the cuts were approved. U

FIREFIGHTERS could be called on to take strike action after Hertfordshire County Council approved cuts to the service. The Crow can reveal that in a straw poll, 90 per cent of Fire Brigades Union members said they would strike if the cuts were approved. Union members were meeting Herts chief fire officer Roy Wilsher today (Thursday), in an attempt to reach a compromise. If the situation cannot be resolved, the union will meet tomorrow (Friday) to discuss taking industrial action. Herts Fire Brigades Union chairman Ben Read told The Crow: "I think you will find union members are up for a strike after (Tuesday's) meeting." "We are always ready for negotiation if we can find a way out of this mess, but if they are not prepared to listen, then I think there will be a ballot of members." If no compromise is found, a ballot will be taken and if a strike is supported, at least seven days' notice will be given before it can begin. Royston sub-officer Pete Chapman said: "I'm sure the union will be taking stock of its position. "But if you reduce the fire cover in any area of the county then the individuals who live in that area will be more at risk." Mr Wilsher said yesterday (Wednesday): "The service is always willing to talk to the union, and has previously made attempts to discuss the principles of changes to the shift system at Royston. "The service management board will be interested to listen to what the union considers a compromise.