PLANS for a North West regional fire control centre covering four brigades are on track, it was claimed after MPs criticised the legacy of collapsed Labour proposals to create nine such hubs nationwide.
The Commons Public Accounts Committee said four out of nine regional control centres, whose planned introduction was scrapped in 2010, were still vacant.
It said a new system based on local improvements was running late and poor value for money.
Bob Warren, development director of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The North West Fire Control centre occupying purpose-built accommodation in Warrington for Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Services will replace localised centres in April 2014.
“The project is if anything ahead of schedule and has remained within budget.
“ And we are confident it will enable use to continue to provide excellent levels of service and provide value for money to our communities in the North West, fulfilling our commitment to national emergency service resilience.”
Steve Harman, county secretary for the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Our position is, and has consistently been, that the people of Lancashire would be better served by keeping their own fire control and mobilising centre.”
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