Yet in a move that is described as “positive action”, the fire service barred white men from all but one in a series
of five open days.

There is nothing technically illegal in what has been done as the intention was merely to encourage applicants from certain groups.

Though, as one local councillor has observed, surely an “open” day ought to be just that. Open.

These kind of cases – and there was a similar one involving Avon and Somerset Police a couple of years ago – achieve just one thing.

They drive a wedge between communities and cause considerable ill-feeling and derision.

Chief fire officer Kevin Pearson says: “It is my concern to improve diversity so the fire service reflects the community it serves.”

Sorry Mr Pearson but the concern of the fire service should not be to reflect the community its serves. That’s politically correct gibberish.

The business of the fire service is to put out fires and save lives. Because, frankly, when you are trapped in a burning building it matters not one jot whether the brave person who comes to save you is black or white, male or female.

So just get the best people for the job and stop playing politics.