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The boss of West Midlands fire service has fired a bitter broadside at the government following this week’s strike action.

Coun John Edwards, chairman of the local fire authority, accused the government of “unacceptable” behaviour in the pensions wrangle and stressed he understood firefighters’ anger.

Members of the FBU downed tools for four hours on Wednesday in dispute over proposals to raise their retirement age from 55 to 60 and make them pay more for their pensions.

During the industrial action, the West Midlands control room took 34 calls. Seven required an attendance.

These were dealt with by non-striking employees using 20 fire engines and three Brigade Response Vehicles.

The incidents they went to included a kitchen fire in Edgbaston and small, outdoor blaze in Pheasey.

Coun Edwards said: “I understand absolutely the anger and unrest that exists amongst staff over the ill-thought-out changes to the firefighters’ pension scheme, particularly the movement of the age of retirement.”

He wrote to Fire Minister Brandon Lewis in April reminding him of the review commissioned by the Government.

This pointed out raising the retirement age would lead to large numbers of firefighters over 55 failing fitness tests, being forced out of work and then having to wait years for their pension.

“I don’t think this is an acceptable way to treat firefighters who have committed decades to public service in a difficult and dangerous profession,” the Labour councillor added.

Coun Edwards stressed he would be writing to Mr Lewis again “urging him in the interests of public safety” to return to negotiating.

The FBU has warned further strikes could not be ruled out.