Consultation on fire service move

The location of fire stations in the Lothian area could change

Proposals for a radical shake-up of fire and rescue services in Lothian and Borders are going out to consultation.

The plans include changes to the location of fire stations and types of staff to reflect shifts in population.

The area's fire board has agreed to begin a 90-day consultation on the proposals on 1 August.

If Lothian and Borders does adopt the changes, fire services across the rest of the country are expected to follow its lead.

According to Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue, 70% of all deaths in fires happen before anyone even picks up the phone to dial 999.

The service said that was why fire prevention was such a large part of the proposals - from working with school children to providing information on smoke alarms.

The location of fire stations and types of staff employed are also set for reorganisation to reflect changes in population.