A four day strike by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) begins tonight at Stroud Fire Station.

There will be a picket line from 6pm tonight at Stroud Fire Station, Paganhill Lane, Stroud.

It will start a four day period of industrial action by the FBU, held because of a dispute over pensions.

Chief Fire Officer Stewart Edgar said: "Our contingency plans are tried and tested and have proved effective in strikes earlier this year. We would not be complacent however and will continue to do everything we can to make sure that the local community stay safe during current action.

"It's also important that residents and business owners take simple steps to protect their homes and workplaces."

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: "We have always said that this isn't our fight, but we have made sure that we are fully prepared.

"It's very important that people are aware of how to stay safe from fires and what to do in case of an emergency. Making sure that you have a smoke alarm at home with a working battery is just one simple thing you can do to be prepared."

The FBU are also planning to be at Gloucester Docks on Saturday from 11am and Cheltenham town centre on Sunday from 11am in an effort to engage with the public and ask them to lobby their MPs.