The FBU has attacked the plan to merge fire control centres

The centre, which houses police, fire and ambulance staff under one roof, was officially opened last June.

But plans to merge all seven of the county-based fire service control rooms in the South West are now under consideration by the government.

Gloucester's MP and fire chief will meet the minister Nick Raynsford to talk over these proposals.

Large-scale emergencies

The government is considering the merger of the call centres into wider, "more efficient" regional units.

Under the plan, fire services in Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Avon, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall will be run from one control room.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has said the idea is ill-conceived and dangerous.

But supporters of the scheme argue local knowledge would be provided by new technology, and that a regional centre would give "greater resilience" for brigades when dealing with large-scale emergencies.

The region's fire services are currently bidding to host the new control room.

The government has said if they cannot agree, it will make the decision on the location.