Conditions are bad for women

The Home Office has ordered a review, calling on the brigade to take "positive steps to introduce a culture that values the contribution that can be made to it by women".

In order to comply with equal opportunities guidelines, fire stations in Worcestershire and Herefordshire must be equipped with showers, changing rooms and toilets for both sexes.

A questionnaire circulated to the brigade's 13 women firefighters revealed that they also rated better security and screened areas in dormitories as high priorities.

Coun Barbara Watton told fellow members of the fire authority for Worcestershire and Herefordshire she was impressed by the attitude of female firefighters.

"To date they've been very tolerant," said the councillor.

"This issue is extremely important. When I toured the fire stations I was horrified at the lack of provision for our female staff."

Coun Richard Udall, the chairman of the fire authority, admitted to being "embarrassed" by inadequate changing and shower rooms, while Coun Derek Prodger singled out Bromyard as particularly in need of modernisation.

A report prepared for the fire authority says that, with the exception of stations at Broadway and Pebworth in south-eastern Worcestershire, improvements can be contained within the two counties' 26 existing fire stations.

Storage rooms are likely to be converted. The programme is expected to cost about £300,000.

6 Toilets have come in handy as the fire brigade seeks to put more women on the payroll.

An open day was held in Hereford last month, designed to promote the fire brigade as a career for women.

Coun Barbara Watton said 26 women had attended the session and many of them appeared very fit.

"A lot of women had heard about the day at sports centres," she said.

"Apparently adverts had been placed on toilet doors."

A recruitment drive aimed at women is planned in the New Year, Hereford & Worcester fire brigade has said.