AS a serving retained firefighter of some 20 years standing I read the two-page spread on Trowbridge Fire Station written by Craig Evry in the March 5 edition with great interest.

I was somewhat disappointed that even though Craig had spent a complete day at the station he failed to mention the significant contribution to the manning there by the retained contingent.

The article, as written, made claims on a number of issues that make Alistair Campbell appear to be an amateur when it comes to the application of political spin doctoring and at best can only be kindly described as nave and written excitedly after a day out playing with the big boys.

At worst, it ranks in journalistic terms alongside stories such as the infamous 'Freddie Star ate my hamster' which I am sure the more discerning reader would find more believable.

Should Craig wish to achieve a more accurate and balanced view on the modernisation of the fire service and the aftermath of industrial action for presentation to your readership I would suggest that after gaining the necessary permissions he accepts this missive as an open invitation to present the retained service more fully to the public at large, to assist recruitment and the delivery of a cost-effective service to the communities we serve.

ME TURRALL

Downsview Road

Westbury