WILTSHIRE fire authority has rejected objections raised by firemen about a new £2.6 million control centre in Devizes.

Fire Brigades Union members have asked for assurances that the new joint control centre for 999 calls will not lead to fire service redundancies.

They are concerned new equipment may compromise safety and are being balloted about possible strike action.

Following a meeting of the fire authority, chairman Jerry Willmott issued the following statement.

He said: "The new centre is essential for the future protection of the people of Wiltshire and Swindon.

"The centre is superbly equipped to deal with every imaginable incident efficiently and effectively.

"I cannot understand why the Wiltshire Fire Control Staff alone should be prevented by restrictions imposed at national level from participating fully in the provision of this service so essential to the communities of Wiltshire."

Swindon FBU representative Joe Tray said: "It seems that Mr Willmott doesn't seem to understand what a lawful trade dispute is.

"It would be quite easy to settle this by getting around a table and giving us the assurances we are looking for.

"It can all be sorted out by negotiation."