Fire service officers in Wiltshire have admitted that they cannot keep to Government timetables on producing an equal opportunities plan.

Former chairman of the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority Coun Nick Westbrook (Lib Dem Trowbridge West) warned members they should make every effort to comply.

He said: "It is high on the Government's agenda and we must be seen to be taking it seriously and giving it priority."

Coun Linda Morris (Con Durrington) said they had already missed some of the deadlines and asked what officers are doing to catch up.

In his report to the meeting chief fire officer Neil Wright said that the national Equal Opportunities Task Group has produced an action plan for brigades.

It is designed to start a cultural change in the fire service to eradicate, where it exists, racism and sexism.

He said: "In Wiltshire members will be aware that pioneering training in fairness at work has been ongoing for over two years.

"In addition work is under way to address the issues in the action plan and all of the recommendations have now been considered."

Mr Wright told the authority: "We are looking at this and giving our very best endeavours to meet the points that are being raised.

"We will not always meet the deadline dates however."

Members noted the content of the report and supported the general principles of the action plan.