DEVON and Somerset Somerset firefighters have appealed to councillors in both counties over their decision to allow fire chief Lee Howell to work part time and begin as a fire advisor in Wales.

Representatives from the Fire Brigades Union have written asking for an explanation and expressing their "grave concern" over the decision, which will see Howell working for the Welsh Government for two days a week.

In the letter, FBU secretary, Trevor French, said: "The decision to grant permission for the Chief Fire Officer to undertake part time work is outrageous, wrong and a 'kick in the teeth' for the hard working and committed staff of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

"Devon and Somerset deserve and require a full time Chief Fire Officer...at this time of unprecedented cuts and challenges."

The decision came just weeks after the fire authority voted to implement unprecedented frontline cuts on Howell's advice, which the FBU says "created enormous concern amongst staff."