Firefighters could strike over call centre

Firefighters could strike over call centre

Firefighters could soon be back on the picket line

Firefighters in Wiltshire could strike in protest at plans for a new joint control centre.

All three emergency services across the county are set to link up, with responses to 999 calls co-ordinated from a single centre.

But the Fire Brigades Union says sharing the Devizes site will slow down the way its calls are handled, putting lives at risk.

The results of a strike ballot are due to be announced on Friday afternoon.

Training is underway at the control centre

Managers of the centre have dismissed the FBU's concerns, saying the change will improve the processing of 999 calls.

Wiltshire Fire Brigade says there will be no job losses.

And officials say the £7m centre will open on time at the end of May, with or without strike action.