BACK US, or lose your local fire station - that's the message to Barry people from striking firefighters.

A public meeting to be held in Barry Leisure Centre on Monday, February 10 at 7pm will allow people to question the firefighters, and for them in turn to warn of the possible consequences to local people if they lose the dispute.

Despite discussions between the government and the Fire Brigade Union, strike action has left the country vulnerable for up to eight days at a time.

And with talk of modernisation, firefighters feel this would mean putting people at risk.

Firefighter Rob Salter from the Port Road station has been organising the meeting.

He said: "As firefighters we do not feel able to stand by and let this happen.

We have already raised the issue with Vale MP John Smith and other local politicians who have been supportive of our cause."

The fighters feel the next step is to make sure the people of Barry know how any closures could affect them personally and what they can do to stop them.

Rob added: "Local firefighters will be on hand to explain how and why we are resisting the proposed changes and how dangerous we think they will be."

Barry firefighters have become an integral part of the community, engaging in many aspects of local life.

Fund-raising events, fire safety initiatives and school visits have helped develop a strong relationship.

Rob added: "This will be the only chance we have to make a stand and people should make sure they are at the meeting.

It will be too late to complain when their house is on fire, their family trapped inside and the nearest fire engine is 20 minutes away.

"The people if Barry are protected by an efficient, well- equipped and motivated fire service and they must do everything they can to prevent that protection being taken away from them.

At 7pm on Monday, February 10 will be their one and only chance."