DORSET Fire Control handed over responsibility for answering 999 calls to the new Service Control Centre in Wiltshire yesterday.

The move is part of the agreed merger between Dorset Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) and Wiltshire and Swindon Fire & Rescue Service.

Describing the new centre as "another significant landmark" on the road to the new combined service, a DFRS spokesman explained: "All 999 calls for both counties are now answered by the new Service Control Centre, based at Potterne near Devizes."

More than a dozen control staff from Dorset will work at the Wiltshire centre.

The DFRS spokesman added: "The new Service Control Centre has been made possible because of the Networked Fire Control Services Partnership, which is joining Potterne with the emergency control rooms in Eastleigh, Hampshire, and Exeter, Devon.

"Once Devon go live with the same technology at the end of September, we will all be able to mobilise appliances for one another when needed, giving us far greater resilience."

Meanwhile, a service update message posted on DFRS's online incident feed yesterday morning simply read: "Wishing the oncoming watch and colleagues at the Service Control Centre (Wiltshire) the best of luck with handover today.

"Many thanks to all the staff that has kept Dorset safe over 43 year by answering emergency calls and providing comfort to those who needed it most .

"All the best to those who are moving on to other adventures and to those who will be starting the next chapter in DFRS's future at the new Service Control Centre.

"Green Watch Fire Control, over and out."

Dorset Fire Authority (DFA) members unanimously agreed to the merger with Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority (WSFA) in November last year.

This move, following public consultation, was the preferred of three scenarios considered by fire chiefs in both services, as managers looked to cut costs and improve efficiency without affecting frontline services.

DFRS chief fire officer Darran Gunter, selected to head-up the new combined fire and rescue service which officially comes into being next April, says the merger could save between £5.3milion and £6.7million.