The government has selected three sites proposed by private companies for the Regional Fire Control Centre.

A statement from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) said: "All sites both public and private were evaluated using the same criteria."

The decision has disappointed the fire brigades of Avon, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

'Major blow'

Cllr Terry Walker, chairman of Avon Fire Authority, said: "I'm am disgusted at the ODPM's decision to disregard our bid to transform Lansdown into the Regional Control Room for the South West."

County Councillor Jeremy Hilton added: "This decision is a major blow for the county."

The location of the privately-proposed sites are not being released by the ODPM, but could still be in Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Devon or Cornwall.

The final decision will be announced in the New Year.