THE Fire Service are justified in their campaign for a professional pay deal.

Not only has this government incited strike action with its cynical offer of 11per cent over two years, it has attempted to manipulate the public with its demonisation of the Fire Service by trading on fear of terrorist attack. If this government has genuine concern for public safety, then it ought to prove it with a pay offer that does not insult the integrity of skilled professionals who put their lives on the line as a matter of course. There are people who sit on their backsides in government and other jobs of dubious skill who earn in excess of £8.50 an hour. Best wishes to all at our local fire stations and a special mention of those at Horwich!

Catherine Loyd

Bolton