22/3/2005 - Fire Control Room delegation needs public support

Anyone opposed to the plans to relocate Cumbria's Fire Control Room outside the county can still register their objection before a county council delegation lobbies the Minister for Local and Regional Government, Nick Raynsford. By visiting the council's website www.cumbria.gov.uk people can register their vote and comments. These will be given to the Minister as evidence of the strength of opposition in the county to the plans.

On the 31st March a delegation of county councillors, senior officers and local Fire Control Room staff will meet Nick Raynsford. The county council on-line vote is in addition to a written petition organised by the Fire Control room representatives. Over 240 people have registered their views on line with 98% opposed to the plans. 

County Councillor, Jack Richardson spokesman for public protection says:

"There is tremendous opposition across the country to government plans to regionalise control rooms. To ensure the minister is left in no doubt as to how Cumbria feels we need as many people as possible to register their views. If you don't have access to the internet at home then your local library can give you access to county council on-line vote.

Local knowledge in dealing with emergencies is vital, especially in areas as diverse as Cumbria. How would operators from outside the area have coped with the hundreds of calls from across the county during January's storms. We must do all we can to keep emergency call handling in this county."