Sir, Concerned as we are about Oxfordshire County Council’s ill-thought out proposal to close Oxfordshire fire control and move services to a combined Thames Valley control room, we find it unbelievable that the Government has not settled the firefighters’ long-running dispute over changes to their pension regulations, which have not been negotiated and to which they have not agreed. English authorities are the only part of Britain and Northern Ireland that have not entered into meaningful negotiations that could lead to a settlement. As people who have had to use the fire service in the past and who value the dedication of our Fire and Rescue Service personnel who cope with difficult and dangerous situations in a professional and effective way, we say it is time to do a deal.

It seems to us that the Government would rather risk further strikes than sit around a table and talk. If this is not resolved soon the future for recruitment and retention in the service is grim.

Eric Pickles and Penny Mordaunt, the Under-secretary of State responsible for the fire service, are the ones our MP Ed Vaizey should tackle. Show the firefighters you will act, as they would for you if you needed them.

Carol and Dave Stavris

Loyd Road

Didcot