THE fire service is appealing to housewives and mothers to become part-time firefighters in a bid to tackle a manpower shortage.

Marlow fire station, in Dean Street, currently has just nine retained (or part-time) firefighters working and, despite four new recruits currently going through the selection process, the station is still short of staff.

Chief Fire Officer Jeff Goddard said: 'Fire cover will suffer if we do not increase the number of retained firefighters in Marlow and across the county.

'The brigade relies on part-time firefighters to cover the rural areas of the county and, without them, this brigade could not operate.'

To combat this the brigade is actively seeking mothers and housewives who could make arrangements with friends to job share.

The figures show that the number of incidents attended by retained firefighters from Marlow has risen in the past two years with 216 in 1998/1999 and 238 in 1999/2000.

Mr Goddard also pointed out that it is harder to find round-the-clock cover at the station because Marlow has a large commuter population.

Retained firefighters receive a retaining fee, along with other payments for drill nights, call-outs and a payment for when they actually attend an incident.

All retained firefighters are fully trained, with training every week, and are kitted-out with protective clothing.

Mr Goddard added: 'There is a special kind of bond among firefighters. Give it a go, you have nothing to lose.'

For more information call Station Commander Bryan Dugdale on (01494) 521345