A GOVERNMENT-LED multi-million pound plan to move the fire service's call handling centre away from the county has been met with concern and scepticism.

Under proposals from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Cumbria would be linked with Mersey-side, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire in a central regional fire control base for the North West.

Seventeen jobs are expected to go at Cumbria's current control hub in Cockermouth, if the scheme goes ahead in 2007.

Cumbria county councillor with responsibility for community safety Jack Richardson voiced his apprehension at this week's cabinet meeting, saying he was not convinced the change would be in the best interests of the county. "Cumbria is the biggest rural area in the North West and relies mainly on our retained service to provide its fire and emergency cover."

He said it was possible amalgamation with larger, full-time brigades could lead to the closure of smaller stations in Cumbria and a remote control centre "may not provide the same level of response we currently have".

Coun Richardson also voiced concern over costs, which he warned could be several millions, adding Cumbria would have to contribute.

Secretary of Cumbria's Fire Brigades Union Martin Ogilvie said the Government's plans to create nine countrywide control centres were flawed.

"At the moment people in the call centres have local knowledge and the expertise to offer advice in cases of fire. I fear that will be greatly watered down. Bigger is not always better.

"I think this is a cost-cutting measure. The Fire Brigade is one of the best public services, but instead of money being invested in it, it is being cut back and I think there will be a knock-on effect."

Mr Ogilvie said the union was particularly concerned with the predicted loss of 17 jobs in the existing control centre.

Chief fire officer for Cumbria Michael Elliot said he did not think the service would be compromised.

"I think it is perfectly feasible for operations to be mobilised from a single centre, even though it will cover a large area. The biggest task is the Government's short time-scale, as changes would be in place by 2007 and, obviously, there is a lot to be done to achieve a smooth transition.

"I can't see it will affect retained services, or make any difference to fire-fighters, or the general public. The only people to be hit in Cumbria will be the control room staff. It is unlikely all 17 could be relocated and there will be possible redundancies."

Mr Elliot said that, despite speculation that the centre would be in Warrington, no decisions had yet been taken on a site.