STOP PLANS TO CENTRALISE FIRE COMMAND

Plans to centralise Cornwall's fire command centre in Somerset have been condemned by Truro and Falmouth PPC Terrye Teverson.

During a fact finding visit to Cornwall County Fire Brigade's Fire Control centre last week, Mrs Teverson, was told staff had dealt with 11,636 calls already this year.

The centre, which is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, employs 17 staff who use their local knowledge of the area to control emergency call outs around the county.

"I am opposed to any Government plan that sees this service centralised to a command post up country," Mrs Teverson said.

"By moving this service to Taunton we lose vital local knowledge and expertise which is essential to maintain a speedy and efficient service for Cornwall. Anything that risks lengthening the response time to emergencies should be stopped."

"As usual the Government is determined to forge ahead with these plans, rather than relax and let local people decide what's best for their them."

The Government announced in August 2005 that fire control services covering an area from Bournemouth to Cheltenham and the Isles of Scilly would be centralised.