GWENT had a quiet 48 hours during the latest round of strike action to hit the region. Troops attended only minor incidents over the two-days with a chimney fire, small bonfire and a car fire being the focus of calls yesterday.

But as firefighters returned to work today, many were bracing themselves for a big wage cut this month as all time lost through strike action so far is deducted.

One couple who are both firefighters say they will lose more than £700 between them in a 'double whammy' to their household income.

Malpas sub-officer Mark Bolton and his firefighter partner Emma Gibby (pictured) say the losses will not stop them striking as part of the long- running pay dispute.

On the picket line at Malpas, Mr Bolton, 38, said: "It will be tough as we recently got a mortgage on a house in Bridgend; we couldn't afford to buy in Newport or Cardiff where Emma works. If this strike carries on for a long time we are concerned that we may get in financial trouble. But that would not stop us fighting for a fair wage and to protect the fire service."

The couple met at a first aid course two-and-a-half years ago and plan to have children in the near future.

But Emma Gibby, 26, says that 'family friendly' changes to shift patterns proposed in the Bain report will actually make it harder to raise children. The government-commissioned report on modernising the service calls for an end to the present system and the introduction of overtime.

Ms Gibby said: "At the moment I think the shifts are family friendly. They say they want to change them to attract more women but I think that is just an excuse to make cut- backs. I think it demonstrates that Bain does not really understand the fire service and the nature of the job."

Both were scathing of John Prescott's move to reactivate legislation that would allow him to impose a settlement on the union.

Mr Bolton said: "Unlike him the union is prepared to negotiate and find a way to end this dispute. All along he has pulled the rug from under the negotiations but said it is a matter for the employers and the union to sort out. Now he's getting desperate and he's determined to save money based on the poorly informed Bain report." The next 48 hour strike is due to start on Saturday at 9am.