The government says the new centre will be more efficient

None of the South West's fire service control rooms have been shortlisted to house the new regional hub.

The location of the privately-proposed sites are not being released, but the site will be confirmed in the New Year.

The FBU says the South West is a "guinea pig" for plans to scrap local emergency fire control rooms.

It also wanted to know if the government plans to use the private sector to run the regional centre.

'Rip the heart out'

The government wants fire services in Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Avon, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall to be run from one control room.

It says the centre would be "more efficient" as a regional unit.

John McGhee , FBU national officer said: "They want to scrap local emergency fire controls and set up expensive remote regional call centres.

"No one wants to be stuck in a room with flames at the door while they are on hold listening to Vivaldi's Four Seasons.

"It'll be a worse service and it will cost more. Scrapping efficient fire control centres will rip the heart out of local fire brigades."

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

The final decision on the site will be announced in the New Year.