WORK is set to begin on a new fire station in Poundbury after funding was agreed.

The contracts were signed yesterday for the Dorset Emergency Services Partnership Initiative (DESPI) that will see the current Fire and Rescue Services headquarters near County Hall replaced with a brand new facility.

The design of the new facility was designed in keeping with traditional design concepts encouraged by Prince Charles's Duchy of Cornwall at Poundbury and is set for completion in September 2008.

The is part of a £46 million government-backed Private Finance Initiative that will also see new fire and police facilities in Poole.

The new state-of-the art station will be near the Monkey's Jump roundabout and will offer better access to surrounding areas.

County Councillor Alan Havelock was chairman of the joint fire and police PFI sub-committee.

He said: "I am delighted that this project has finally reached contract signature.

"The project will further improve community safety, is affordable and represents value for money.

"It is an excellent demonstration of partnership working between the two emergency services."

Mayor of Dorchester Councillor David Barrett said: "Anything that saves lives, if it allows them better road access so they can get to places quicker, will be welcome.

"The present station that has done a splendid job is situated in centre of town and traffic doesn't help fire engines.

"I think the general feeling is that it should be welcomed not only by Dorchester but by villages in the surrounding areas."

Under the terms of the contract Dorset-based company Bluestone will be working on developing the facilities, along with Calder Carden Croft, Morgan Sindall and Nationwide Building Society.

Now pen has been put to paper it is anticpated that construction will begin on the site this month.