Fire control move is 'inevitable'

The government believes the new centre will improve call processing

Wiltshire fire brigade has admitted it will have to quit the new shared 999 control centre because of plans to create a regional call hub.

Communications for all three emergency services in the county have been based at a centre in Devizes since 2003.

But the government wants to bring the fire control rooms for Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Avon, Somerset, Dorset and Devon and Cornwall under one roof.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is against the merger.

The union fears it may lead to delays in calls being answered.

'Move inevitable'

Last month, firefighters in neighbouring Gloucestershire took unofficial industrial action in protest at the merger plans.

In February, Avon Fire Authority said it would not voluntarily hand over 999 services.

But despite the opposition, Wiltshire's deputy chief fire officer Eugene Johnson believes the move is inevitable.

He said: "I think the government's given a strong indication that it supports the regional control project.

"I don't think the project's going to fold at this stage in the game and at the moment, based on what I know, we're going to have to move out at some point."

The police and ambulance services are likely to stay in the current tricentre.

Deputy chief constable Stephen Long said that the departure of the fire brigade staff will not harm the good relations that have built up.

"We had a good partnership before we moved into the control room.

"I think the strength is there and will continue to be there, whatever the situation," he said.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has yet to announce the location of the new joint call centre.