FIREFIGHTERS in Swindon are set to go on strike again.

This time the dispute is not over pay but over concerns about a new 999 control room set to open in Devizes in May.

A ballot over the issue resulted in 57.8 per cent of Fire Brigades Union members in the county voting to strike. According to union officials, a series of intermittent strikes will now be called at any time from April 6 onwards.

The union was unable to reveal the level of turnout for the ballot. If the national strike is resumed, Wiltshire could have two fire strikes going on at the same time.

The dispute centres around a £7 million joint control room for 999 operators.

FBU members say they want assurances that the new control centre will not lead to job losses.

They are also concerned that a new computer system to be used at the centre will not be as efficient as their current methods.

FBU South West organiser Tam McFarlane said: "This is a clear majority in favour of strike action, and in consultation with the national executive we will be planning strike action and setting dates."

Deputy chief fire officer for Wiltshire Phil Appleby said: "We have made a number of compromises and given assurances that there will be no job cuts and that response times will be as good or better."