DEAR EDITOR - In connection with their letters regarding the Fire Fighters dispute, to Max Harper and A Reader of Pennine Road - you do not know the exact figures. You are totally wrong - why guess then?

Fact - Firefighters pay for their pensions. Half of their wages go on tax, NI and pension contributions - they do not earn £400 per week either.

Fact - Firefighters have a shorter life expectancy. I know many that shortly after retiring, die from stress and/or heart attacks.

Fact - My son is in the Forces. After two years he takes home more after deducting food and lodgings and has benefits on top.

Fact - Firefighters have not had a high pay increase, but have fallen behind. A teacher earns more than my husband - who happens to be a sub-officer - two ranks higher.

Fact - Police officers are on £19,000 a year to start off with - Firefighters are on less than that after four years service. Police officers also get additional benefits.

Fact - For eighteen years, we, as a family have been living hand to mouth with few holidays and a huge overdraft.

Fact - The usual Firefighter's shift is 48 hours in four days/nights and then three off!

I am disgusted at the way my husband and other firefighters are being treated. If you want facts - go and talk to them, instead of listening to 'spin' from the Government. They do an awful job that most people couldn't cope with; fires, road traffic accidents, lift rescues, as well as continual training in fire prevention, public awareness, chemical spillage's etc.

The two letter writers haven't got a clue about the things that the firefighters have to deal with. We will see what your opinion is, if or when you need these brave and caring individuals. You will soon change the way you see them.

H Mika,

Rubery.