IPSWICH is to remain a no-go zone for modern fire-fighting machines as the eight-day strike begins.Military chiefs have been given the green light to commandeer state-of-the-art red fire engines from training centres, but the only green seen on the streets of our town will be that of the antique Goddesses on which our hopes – and lives – now depend.

IPSWICH is to remain a no-go zone for modern fire-fighting machines as the eight-day strike begins.

Military chiefs have been given the green light to commandeer state-of-the-art red fire engines from training centres, but the only green seen on the streets of our town will be that of the antique Goddesses on which our hopes – and lives – now depend.

All the commandeered engines have been sent to provide cover in the bigger towns and cities.

With servicemen refusing to cross picket lines, all Ipswich's state-of-the-art red engines will remain idle behind striking firefighters for the next eight days.

Only Suffolk's non-striking retained firefighters will have access to the best available kit.

FULL STORY IN TONIGHT'S EVENING STAR