TOWN firefighters took a stand against potential service changes by drumming up support from Spa residents.

Staff from Droitwich fire station hit the streets on Saturday with petitions in hand to highlight their views against possible changes to the control centre service.

Firefighters spoke to people in Victoria Square and the High Street between 9am and 1pm.

Currently the control centre, which is based in Worcester, serves Droitwich fire station by taking details and sending crews to emergency incidents in and around the town.

However, under new plans the Hereford and Worcester control centre would join with other area centres to form one large control office in Wolverhampton. The new control centre would cover Hereford and Worcester, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and West Midlands.

It is feared that the loss of local knowledge from control centre staff could cost lives and valuable seconds during an emergency. The move would also see job losses for current control staff. It is also believed that people would have to reapply for their jobs if the move is made a reality.

Kevin Harris, Droitwich Fire Service branch secretary, said: "We are against the plans because we feel that it would be a danger and could even cost lives.

"People will be calling a control centre and could be speaking to someone that has never set foot in the area. Local knowledge is very important and can help save lives.

"Of cause there are computers that can let staff know but they have nothing to fall back on. There is also the case that jobs will be lost.

"We want to let people know what we think, raise awareness and get their support."

Town MP Peter Luff also attended the event to hear from concerned staff.

He said: "The firefighters are absolutely right. A regional control centre will cost lives and involve sacking a large proportion of staff.

"It may save a few pennies but will cost more for public safety."