Fire control move could be delayed until 2011

THE controversial move to switch Gloucestershire's fire control centre to Somerset could be delayed until 2011.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced technical issues could push back the move to the South West Regional Control Centre in Taunton, creating unnecessary costs.

The control centre is currently at the TriService Centre at Waterwells, Quedgeley.

General secretary of the FBU Matt Wrack said: "The project is a scandalous waste of public money and more delays will make it worse. This is at a time when fire brigades are looking at major cuts because of a lack of cash.

"The buildings were completed on time but rental payments were delayed to give Government time to fit out the interiors and install the IT. But a host of other delays have put the project years behind schedule.

"The fault lies at the door of Government. No local fire authority is responsible in any way for anything which has happened up to now.

"Taxpayers are propping up another failing IT project because the Government is too embarrassed to admit how bad things have become. If they want to save money they should shut this project down before it gets worse."

The FBU believes the cost of the delay could be more than £30million with the added cost of rent and the extra pay of civil servants and project managers to deliver the project.

So far, the South West Regional Control Centre at Taunton has cost more than £2million in rent and other building costs from the date it was completed until February 2009.

Acting Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet member for community safety, planning and economy Coun Will Windsor-Clive said: "This whole project, which was going to be about saving us money and making our country safer for the Olympics, looks like it won't even be in place in time for the Olympics.

"If I was convinced it would make us safer and save the money, I would completely support it, but the saving just wouldn't be there and it's not going to make people safer."

A spokesman for the Department of Communities and Local Government said public safety was always of the "utmost importance".

"Schedules for projects of this size are kept under constant review and it is right and proper for there to be contingency plans put in place," he said. "The department's focus is making sure the benefits of this project are delivered to the fire and rescue service and the public."