HASLEMERE firefighters have lent their support to the firefighters' pay dispute, joining a protest march in London on Monday.

Twenty five officers took part, and a petition has been placed at the West Street station for local residents to sign. Haslemere Fire and Rescue joined more than 400 firefighters from Surrey, and 12,000 from across the country.

The Fire Brigades' Union is calling for a 40 per cent pay increase bringing salaries up to £30,000. Negotiations ended on Monday with union leaders recommending strike action for the first time since 1977.

"Firefighters are reluctant to take industrial action but are resolved to, in order to bring their wages into line with a service such as the police, where officers can earn up to £34,000 a year," said brigade secretary Chris Carlier.

"Firefighters put out 100 per cent of fires and release 100 per cent of people from road traffic accidents for a maximum of £21,500."

Brigade chairman Steve Burnell said: "The suggested pay increase would only add approximately 20p per household, per week in Surrey on the average band D property, which is less than a pint of milk."

"I am sure that the public would be more than happy to pay such a small amount to carry on receiving the service they get and deserve," he added.

The FBU is planning to recall its national conference on September 12 to vote on official industrial action.