IN a bid to get the new combined police and fire service centre up and running early in Poole, a temporary fire station needs to be built in the borough.

A multi-million pound scheme will see the old fire station in Wimborne Road demolished and replaced with a new command centre for both emergency services.

But this would leave Poole firefighters homeless as they wait for their new station and training facility to be built at Marshes End.

The service is now applying for planning permission for its new fire station and for a temporary one to use for a year, next to the Creekmoor park-and-ride.

"In the long run that saves Poole ratepayers a lot of money," said Steve Lee, head of corporate services.

Applications for both fire stations are due to go before Poole planners on Thursday, August 25.

The temporary station would take three months to build.

The land is within the green belt and officers are recommending that is it referred to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The new combined police and fire service building in Wimborne Road could be operating by summer 2007.

First published: August 23, 2005