MEMBERS of the Fire Brigades Union will take strike action from 6pm to 10pm on Friday (December 13) and Saturday (December 14) as part of a national trade dispute with Government in relation to the reform of Fire Service Pension Schemes.

A Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said "robust" contingency plans were in place and they would continue to operate business as usual "as far as reasonably practicable" during both of these four-hour periods.

"However, there are certain safety measures we can all take to ensure our own safety and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Davies is urging residents and businesses within mid and west Wales to take extra care and ensure they are fire and road safety aware for Friday and Saturday's strike action," she added.

ACFO Davies said: “Whilst we appreciate the concerns some of our staff have in respect of proposed Government cuts to pensions our number one priority is to ensure public safety by providing the best possible service throughout this period of strike action.

“Our contingency planning is continuing to go well and we are fortunate to have a number of operational staff who are not affiliated with the Fire Brigades Union and will be working as usual during this period of action.

“However, there is no avoiding the fact that our emergency response will be slightly reduced during this period."