Volunteer firemen in Narberth are pressing for portable flashing lights to go on their vehicles to assist them in getting to the station quickly to attend emergency calls.

The matter, which was brought to Tuesday night's meeting on the town council, was given the thumbs up by members who agreed to write a letter of support to the fire brigade.

"The fire service do a wonderful job and with safety in mind and the fact that the call out time is crucial, I have been asked to ask for support by the firemen who want to have portable blue lights to go on the top of their cars to make people aware that they are responding to an emergency call," commented Clr. Colin Williams, who also explained that the ambulance and the fire engine had been held up in traffic in High Street when responding to an emergency call.

"Safety is paramount and the call-out time is crucial," he reiterated.

"It very nearly cost a child's life within the last couple of days," he pointed out.

"The lights are being used in other parts of the country by other voluntary services," he added.

"The chief at the fire station is asking for our support and I think that if they have these lights it will make people aware that it is someone trying to get to the station to go out on a call, rather than some idiot speeding up the road.

Clr. Williams also wondered if a flashing light could also be installed outside the fire station as a warning to motorists.

Deputy Mayor, Clr. Eric Feetham, however, was concerned that the lights on the private vehicles might be used on occasions other than emergencies.

But he was assured by Clr. Wynne Evans that this would not be the case.

"We all know the firemen in Narberth are all good people and as of July 1 they will be called out as the first responders to incidents," he told the council.

"We must give them our support," he added.

Clr. Malcolm Connah was also concerned.

"The boys have a huge problem in getting to the station," he commented.

Also adding his support was Clr. Brian Harries who supported the proposal in principle.

"I know the fire station are asking other organisations and individuals to support them and I hope we can," said Clr. Williams.

Members of the council, agreed to send a letter to the fire brigade pledging their support.