FIREFIGHTERS in Malton have voted to take industrial action over controversial proposals to replace traditional fire engines with smaller Tactical Response Vehicles (TRVs).

Members of the North Yorkshire Fire Brigades Union (FBU) are objecting to plans to introduce TRVs, which carry crews of two or three and are smaller than standard fire engines.

Union members voted by 90 per cent in favour to take industrial action short of strike action from tomorrow (Thursday) to January 10.

Secretary Steve Howley said: “These proposals are not only a cut in the level of service the tax-payers pay for. They pose a danger to the public and firefighters alike. It is an utter disgrace.”

A firefighter from Malton station, who asked not to be named, said: “Our members locally have sent a clear message to the managers of the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) who are driving through these dangerous ways of working in a desperate attempt to cover up current firefighter shortages.

“These proposals are not only a cut in the level of service the tax-payers pay for, they pose a danger to the public and firefighters alike.”

A spokesman for NYFRS said: “The service believes that all the concerns raised by the FBU have been addressed, during the extensive consultation. However, in an effort to avert this action, discussions are scheduled to take place the day before the action is due to commence.”