MORE than 5,000 Worcestershire people have signed a petition against plans to replace England's 46 fire control rooms with nine regional centres.

The Fire Brigades Union has claimed that the Government's plans, which would see Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service merge with about four other brigades, would cost lives and hamper responses to terror attacks.

"Currently we have about 1,500 emergency fire control operators and they are looking to reduce this to 600," said Steve Laugher, FBU secretary for the two counties.

"At the moment they mobilise firefighters, 98 per cent of the time within 60 seconds.

"The plans mean that it will take longer to mobilise a fire engine which will put lives at risk."

As many as 380 jobs will be lost as a result of the changes and firefighters have raised concerns that the centralisation of control duties will also lead to an erosion of local knowledge.

A spokeswoman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minster said: "It is regrettable that the FBU are continuing to scaremonger.

"Their totally unfounded allegations betray a complete lack of understanding of the Government's plans for control centres."

She said that the project will not lead to cuts in front line jobs, as the cost of the control rooms will be met from different budgets.

"This will lead to reduced response times and an overall more efficient service that saves more lives," she added.

Anyone who wants to sign the petition can call Mr Laugher on 07919 327688.