Police and army will provide emergency cover (From Stroud News and Journal)

Police and army will provide emergency cover

EMERGENCY cover for strike days in Gloucestershire will be provided by police and the army.

But there will only be six Green Goddess vehicles covering Gloucestershire which is usually manned by 20 fire appliances.

All 999 fire calls will be re-routed to the police headquarters in Cheltenham, which will be manned by the fire brigade, police, ambulance service and the military.

The police will be first on the scene to any incident, accompanied by army personnel on Green Goddess fire engines.

The police force has been working with other services to develop plans in case of a major disaster.

Gloucestershire Assistant Chief Constable Martin Baker said: "We are sure we have an effective operation to co-ordinate emergency calls.

"The public should be reassured this will not affect policing.

"We would urge everyone to go about their normal business.

"They should ring 999 if they need emergency assistance.

"We would ask the public to show consideration and co-operation during a difficult time."

* As the SNJ went to press, national Fire Brigades Union representatives were being urged to let firefighters help with some emergency support.