FIREFIGHTERS from across north Essex have protested against changes to the way the fire service is run.

The first stage of plans to overhaul Essex County Fire and Rescue Service came into force yesterday at Colchester, Chelmsford and Harlow fire stations.

It means there will be one crew to man the aerial ladder platform, used for rescues at height, and the rescue tender, which carries heavy-duty cutting equipment at each station. Previously, there were two crews – a dedicated team for each appliance.

Off-duty firefighters held a protest outside Colchester fire station, in Cowdray Avenue, to raise awareness.

Mick Rogers, a spokesman for the Fire Brigades Union and a Colchester firefighter, said: “Firefighters came together to show their solidarity.

“We had tremendous support from the public. The support was deafening at times with people waving and honking their horns. No one came up to us and said they thought we were wrong and the chief was right.”

Fire chiefs insist the move makes economical sense, based on the limited number of times the appliances are used at the same time, and will free up firefighters for other roles, such as training. They also deny union suggestions that the plans will risk the lives of firefighters or the public.

The second phase is due to be rolled out at other stations later in the year.