COLLABORATION between Cornwall's fire control service and its counterpart in North Yorkshire must be monitored closely and avoid any threat to the county's ability to control its own destiny, it was claimed this week.

On Wednesday, Cornwall Council's Cabinet approved what it describes as a 'business case' for Cornwall and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services to share a single mobilising system within their control rooms. But one South East Cornwall councillor is concerned at the long-term implications of the deal.

Under the new system, Cornwall's control room will be able to receive calls and dispatch resources on behalf of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service during busy periods such as the recent stormy weather, when 999 callers cannot always get through. North Yorkshire's control room will be able to provide the same service for Cornwall, as the two counties tend not to be affected by severe weather at the same time.

But Andrew Long, Mebyon Kernow councillor for Callington, says he and his MK colleagues are worried that the move could lead to further dilution of Cornwall's ability to control its own future.

He said: 'We also wanted to make sure that it doesn't affect our own fire service's ability to respond to emergencies and so we intervened at an early stage in the discussions to ensure there is a review mechanism in place, and if any problems do arise, Mebyon Kernow will want to know why.'

Cornwall Council says both services will retain their own control rooms, with Cornwall's existing facility in Truro due to move to Tolvaddon in January 2015. It also insists that although the arrangement will lead to a reduction in the number of control room staff on duty in each centre to answer 999 calls, particularly at night time, it will not lead to a reduction in staff on duty across Cornwall as they will be used for wider roles and to help other council departments outside normal office hours.

'This is the only project in the country where such a remote collaboration is being put in place to ensure the likelihood of both control rooms being inundated with calls at the same time is reduced to a minimum,' said a council spokesman.

Both fire authorities received a grant from central Government which will cover the cost of putting in a single mobilising system. Cornwall Council cabinet member for homes and communities Geoff Brown said the project would provide a better service to people calling for the fire and rescue service in each area and would save taxpayers money.

'It will ensure the future of a Control Room in Cornwall, providing the best service for the public,' he added.