Change fire crew shift system

How nice to see that Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service has been placed in the top 13 performers out of the 47 fire services by the Audit Commission.

When I read Government inspections of the fire service, "wheels within wheels" is the first thing that comes to mind.

I also note that I will be paying 3.9 per cent more this year for my fire service.

If Shropshire fire service is such a high performing service, then why is it still operating its archaic shift system for firefighters where they sleep on night shift, fully refreshed for that game of golf the next day?

I think that SF&RS should be following the lead of other fire brigades and move to a shorter shift system.

It may be that management is hesitant to take this course of action because of fear upsetting the Fire Brigades Union and its inevitable threat of industrial action.

Peter R Fell, Bridgnorth