East Sussex fire service appeals against firework award ruling

A huge blast at the site sent fireworks and debris flying across the area

A union has criticised a fire authority for appealing against a High Court ruling to pay compensation to the families of two men killed in a fireworks blast.

Firefighter Geoff Wicker, 49, and fire service cameraman Brian Wembridge, 63, died in the fire at Marlie Farm in Shortgate, East Sussex, in 2006.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue said its insurers wanted to overturn the ruling.

The Fire Brigades Union said any appeal would prolong the pain of the bereaved.

Last month, Mr Justice Irwin ruled in favour of the families after months considering evidence given at a two-week hearing in London in February.

The amount of damages to be paid by the service has yet to be assessed.

Massive explosion

Retained firefighter Mr Wicker and fire service photographer and cameraman Mr Wembridge were among the first at the scene of the fire at the Festival Fireworks site on 3 December, 2006.

Twenty others, mainly police and fire crews, were also injured in a massive explosion at the site, which sent fireworks and debris flying across the area.

Festival Fireworks' owners - father and son Martin and Nathan Winter - were convicted of the men's manslaughter and jailed for seven and five years respectively.

Geoff Wicker (L) and Brian Wembridge died in the explosion in December 2006

In a statement, Chief Fire Officer Des Prichard said: "As an organisation, we are bound by the decision of our insurers, irrespective of our personal opinions and my own personal view.

"For my part I shall never forget that Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker, two dedicated employees of ESFRS, lost their lives on that day and a number of my colleagues, including police officers, were injured."

'Hurt and pain'

He added he was pleased a "without prejudice" meeting could be held with all parties to see if it was possible for the case to be brought to an end.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: "An appeal would prolong the hurt and pain of injured firefighters and the families of the bereaved.

"We believe the case has been very adequately heard and the result is not in doubt.

"An appeal would also completely undermine any claim by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service that they care for the wellbeing of their employees.

"On top of this, an appeal will be a waste of public money and, if we are vindicated, those responsible for this decision should be held to account."