Merseyside police and fire authorities back plan for joint command centre (From Wirral Globe)

Merseyside police and fire authorities back plan for joint command centre

3:26pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in News

MERSEYSIDE'S police and fire authorities have backed plans for a multi-million pound joint command and control centre.

Subject to planning approval being granted by Sefton Council and costing £6.6m, the centre will be housed at the Fire and Rescue headquarters in Bridle Road, Bootle. 

A feasibility study determined the optimum site for the centre, and the Bridle Road option met criteria. It was also described as the most cost effective by a significant margin.

The co-location of the fire and police control room functions will provide an exciting opportunity to deliver a more efficient and effective service to the public.

They will share site infrastructure and facilities with the potential for sharing of technology solutions in the longer term.

The Joint Command and Control Centre will also house Strategic (Gold) and Tactical (Silver) Commands in purpose designed and built accommodation in a location which is considered at less risk than the current city-centre site.

Merseyside Police Authority Chairman, Bill Weightman, said: "It has taken a lot of hard work from both organisations to reach this stage and I would like to thank everyone involved in driving this project forward.

"The speed in which this work is moving is testament to both Authorities’ commitment to effective partnership working.

"This collaboration will not only provide a more efficient service to the Merseyside community but it will also be a more cost-effective way of meeting ongoing service delivery needs in what are very challenging financial times.

"I believe all of Merseyside Police Authority’s Members should be very proud of the legacy they are leaving."

Councillor Dave Hanratty, chair of Merseyside Fire Authority said: "This is a Merseyside solution which will provide opportunities for long-term partnership workings and savings.

"Fire and rescue service jobs will be kept on Merseyside and our mobilizing and command and control functions will see real benefits."