The green goddess vaccum.

In 2005 the Uk decided it could finally kiss goodbye to the cold war.

The very last relics of that "war" the green goddess pumps were to be stood down. Replaced by so called "new dimension" equipment. ND itself being a response to the new war or 9/11 and 7/7 anti terror initiative.

But it never quite made sense, The thousand emergency pumps were to be directly replaced by just 40 high volume pumps. It was clear capacity was something they did not have in a big flood situation.

The big pumping capacity for drought and flood was simply not replaced it was abandoned.

The greater mobility capability of the 4x4 GG was not replaced it was abandoned.

The ability to mobilise a whole fleet of simple to operate vehicles in support of the fire service was not replaced it was abandoned.

It could be argued that this was all too much to pay.

But the government had recognised that all it's little jaunts abroad were leaving the military overstretched and overworked. So they asked their good friends at group 4 to provide a fire service reserve.

Now the GG were costing about 1 million a year for which you got about 1000 fire engines 40 of which could be driven away immediately and every one of them could be working in 21 days. 500 miles of big bore water pipe, 1000 smaller portable pumps. Lots and lots of kit.

Group 4 were offering you, none of the above, a troop of people who might be there if needed but you would not know till the day if you had saved money by paying 10 mil a year for not a lot. Or blown it on smoke and mirrors

But of course now the government have decided they will not. They changed their minds. they don't have 10 mil a year to blow and now you get exactly nothing..

If the local managers of your fire brigade annoy the people at the coal face enough and they walk out: your house will burn down though you kids will probably be OK because our fire fighters will save life even if you don't pay them.

If the FBU decide that things are bad and their people deserve 50% this year, you better pray that Gordon has the money to pay out because that will be the sum of his options.

Oh and the final twist, the New Dimension deal was a private finance initiative. So, if your community suffers a major flood today there is no number to call to access 40 Green Goddesses and miles of pipe, the government would not pay for a 24/7 service. Catastrophe is only allowed in normal office hours.

R