MP SLAMS COUNTY COUNCIL DECISION FOR 999 FIRE CALLS FROM CUMBRIA TO BE ANSWERED IN CHESHIRE

A decision by Cumbria County Council could mean that 999 calls to the fire service would be answered in Cheshire has been slammed by local MP Tim Farron.

The government scrapped plans for a regional control centre inWarringtonbefore Christmas last year, but the County Council's cabinet have agreed to move the service there nonetheless.

The Cabinet has agreed toCumbriabecoming a full partner in aNorth Westcollaboration to provide a control room which would be run by a local authority controlled company called NW Fire Control Ltd. Currently 999 calls are handled by the control room in Cockermouth.

Tim said: "For the County Council to move the control centre out of our area to people who don't know the geography of the South Lakes could mean serious danger - how can we expect someone in Warrington to know the difference between Staveley-in-Westmorland and Staveley-in-Cartmel when someone calls in distress? I will continue to work with the Fire Brigades Union to oppose these plans."