A council has refused to reinstate a firefighter of 25 years’ service who was sacked for tweeting about strike action.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service dismissed dad-of-three Ashley Brown on a charge of gross misconduct but since then a petition calling for his reinstatement has reached more than 8,500 signatures and a rally at County Hall attracted 100 supporters.

Fire Brigades Union secretary for Hertfordshire, Daren Scotchford, has called for a panel of Hertfordshire CC councillors to be formed to look at the decision using powers under the Local Government Act 2000 but the council has so far refused.

Mr Scotchford said: ‘We were disappointed with the response we received and were hoping they would look at the case again.

‘We have taken some legal advice and we think there is scope for the county council to intervene.

‘I have written to the leader of the council again and we are waiting for a response.’