A MAJOR step forward has been made towards a combined police, fire and ambulance station in Poole.

News that a slice of a £113m fund has been set aside for the plan - the first of its kind in Dorset - has been welcomed by emergency service chiefs.

A location for the station has still to be found, but the cash boost has given added impetus to the project.

Ongoing changes to the town, such as the rejuvenated quayside and proposed new bridge crossing, are a major factor in the thinking behind the joint station idea. The services want to be at the heart of the community, where they will be visible and have easier access when emergencies occur.

It is also hoped that the joint arrangement will improve the way the three services co-operate.

"What we've been given from the Home Office is an indication that they will support this," said Supt Chris Dennis, of Poole police.

"We are still looking for a place to put the station and are still researching the requirements we need and the space needed for all the services to be put in one place."

Supt Dennis said the three services recognised that they needed to look at the changing face of the town.

"Looking at the future and where we are going to be in 20 years, we are asking if the stations we have are going to be in the right place. There is still a lot of work to be done. The key thing is that all the services want to be accessible to the public."

The new funding was announced by Local Government minister Alan Whitehead.

Dorset's Chief Fire Officer Martin Chapman said: "We are delighted that the government has approved this joint scheme and made available the funding necessary for the development of greatly improved facilities for the fire, police and ambulance services in Dorset. The scheme will provide new purpose-built facilities which will greatly enhance our ability to provide responsive and effective emergency services."