WITH regard to the firemen's strike.

I think it would shake them up a bit if they threatened to privatise it.

Would they be sleeping on the shift, watching television, doing a bit of polishing, playing snooker or having a natter? I don't think so, and this is the reality of the job.

No wonder they're fit enough for a second job. They don't need any "A" levels or "O" levels, like police and nurses, just basic training which comes with experience.

Maybe they should be on a higher rate of pay when actually fighting fires.

P A Sterling

Chorley Old Road

Bolton