Fire union upset over flood risk

The centre will not open until the end of 2009

Union leaders have said they are concerned about the flood risk at a new fire and rescue service control room.

The Fire Brigades Union's Dave Green said the location was a concern to his members and called for a re-evaluation of the flood risk.

Call centre staff will move to the East Midlands office at Willow Farm Business Park in Castle Donington by 2009.

The Environment Agency has said there is "virtually no risk" of flooding at the site, a call centre spokesman said.

The centre will be shared by Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire staff.

'Absolutely unbelievable'

Mr Green said: "I find it absolutely unbelievable that the criteria for these control centres is that they are not built on floodplains or flight paths and yet this one is stuck on a floodplain next to an airport."

The Conservative prospective candidate for North West Leicestershire Andrew Bridgen said the Environment Agency website indicated the site was located on a floodplain and showed a "moderate" risk.

But Dave Webb from the East Midlands Regional Control Centre said: "The building has been planned for many years and consultation has taken place.

"The Environment Agency has confirmed the site is located outside a one in one thousand year floodplain.

"Clearly, in the eyes of the Environment Agency there is virtually no risk this building will be flooded."

He added if an emergency occurred then calls could be rerouted to another call centre in the country.

The government has said the Castle Donington facility will allow a quicker and easier response to calls.

The Fire Brigades Union has already opposed the plans, saying they could lead to a reduction in service.