FIREFIGHTERS and politicians across the county have reacted strongly to a councillor's assertion on Radio Pembrokeshire that firefighters in Swansea did a better job than those in Pembrokeshire.

Councillor Brian Hall, vice-chairman of the Mid and West Wales Fire Authority, was defending the Fire Authority's risk assessment for Pembrokeshire, which includes the county taking a 42% cut in person power at critical times.

Local AM Christine Gwyther said: "I find Brian Hall's attitude absolutely incredible. As politicians, we all want the best for our own areas. He knows, as well as I do, that the risks for Pembrokeshire will be increasing, not diminishing, with the arrival of LNG, with the potential for further energy expansion along the Haven, and with the building of Bluestone.

"I would never want to stand in the way of progress, but with more visitors and more industry we should surely be protecting our fire service, not looking to decimate it.

"And insulting the firefighters who actually deliver that service, at huge personal risk, is absolutely unforgivable. I am ashamed that a prominent Pembrokeshire politician should have said that our firefighters are not as good as those in Swansea. Brian Hall is wrong, and he should take the first opportunity to apologise."