Fire plan protests reach capital

The government says combining the centres would increase efficiency

Firefighters from across the South are lobbying parliament against plans to combine local fire control rooms to create large regional centres.

In addition to job losses, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) claim this would lead to a poorer service with lives put at risk by a lack of local knowledge.

The government said its plan would increase efficiency and save money.

Members of the FBU's southern region, Hants, Oxon, Bucks, Berks and the Isle of Wight, have travelled to London.

The South East regional centre would cover the south coast from Kent to Hampshire - and as far north as Oxfordshire.

Some fire employers have also expressed concern over the plans, saying such a large-scale IT project could have cost and workability problems.

The government said the change to one central control room would also aid in dealing with major incidents, such as terrorist attacks.