Fire Strike: What You Think

DOROTHY FOSTER (59), of Oakfield Road, Hucknall, said: "Where would we be without the firefighters? I think they should get a rise but not as much as 40%. They do a fantastic and difficult job."

AUDREY JACKSON (65), of Butlers Hill, Hucknall, was staunchly against the strike, saying: "They certainly should not be striking. I've got a son and daughter-in-law living on 150 a week and having to pay all their taxes out of that. What about the nurses?

"I think the firefighters are holding the country to ransom, risking lives and trying to bring the government down. Tony Blair has done a lot for this country and a lot of that isn't publicised.

"The firefighters are WRONG!"

BARRY STEVENS (65), of Carlingford Road, Hucknall, was a firefighter during his days in the Army and was firmly behind the strike.

He said: "They are right to strike. The only thing I've got against them is that they should have gone for 20% rather than 40%. They would have got it.

"This Labour government, and I've voted Labour all my life, is not for the people and I hope the firefighters get a good rise."

PETE TAYLOR (24), of Ash Close, Hucknall, who is a training manager with Nottingham firm Capital One, said: "I back the firefighters. If MPs can award themselves big pay-rises, why can't firefighters get the same?

"I can't understand why we are having to rely on Green Goddesses and why they have not been replaced over the years.

"The modern fire engines are replaced about every seven years and given to the Third World. Surely if we've got them, we should get first priority on them to replace the Goddesses."

TRACEY MARTIN (31), of Welbeck Estate, Hucknall, works at the town's Kwik Save superstore. She said: "I've got mixed views. A lot of people deserve a pay-rise, including firefighters, but it should be like America where they aren't allowed to strike."

ANOTHER MAN, who asked not to be named, said the strike should be broken, adding: "I think the forces should storm the fire stations and take over the modern engines."