Firefighters on the Isle of Wight could be going on strike next month in a dispute over pay and conditions. 

A Fire Brigades Union official told the Isle of Wight County Press 'enough is enough' and Isle of Wight firefighters, along with those across the country deserve to be treated with dignity.

Mark Chapman, FBU South region secretary, said in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in particular, living costs and property prices were affecting the ability of full time and retained firefighters to live in the areas they were working in.

The union has rejected a government national offer of a five per cent increase but has given the government ten days to come up with a 'decent' offer to avoid strike action.

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Mr Chapman said the disparity between pay and living conditions was having a severe effect on the ability to give a strong service.

"There are supposed to be 52 pumps available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight but we are not meeting that service level...this was recognised in a report last year.

"The carpenters, builders and servicemen who make up our retained crews can't afford to live in the areas they serve...which obviously causes a problem."    

Across the UK 88 per cent voted to strike on a 73 per cent turnout. 

The strike ballot opened on December 5 and closed on January 30. 

In the hope of averting strike action, the Fire Brigades Union has given the government and employers ten days to come forward with an improved offer which could be put to a vote of members.  

If they go ahead, the strikes would be the first nationwide fire strike over pay since 2003. 

FBU members rejected a below-inflation five per cent pay offer in November last year after the government had initially offered 2.5 per cent.