Sir.-Following the article "Chiefs hold fire over 999 control centre proposals" (The Monday Gazette, April 18), I would like to make the following comments.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to improving its service delivery and resilience to its systems and operating procedures

The service continues to work with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, regional and neighbouring fire and rescue authorities, and, in consultation with other key stakeholders, to ensure that all decisions regarding the safety of the communities it serves are based on sound knowledge and evidence.

No evidence exists to suggest that lives will be put at risk should the present 46 fire and rescue service control centres be replaced with the proposed nine regional control rooms.

HFRS fully supports positive changes to develop a modern, more efficient and more effective fire and rescue service. It is therefore the service's intention to support and implement the best possible, proven, system to deliver its frontline service.

Comments made by individuals in the article drawing comparisons between other emergency service control rooms and operators are neither productive nor the view of the HFRS.

Control room staff at all emergency services work to extremely demanding targets and perform a pivotal role in ensuring public safety.

HFRS is currently awaiting further national decisions on the development of the Government's proposals.

Faced with a general election on May 5, no announcements are expected in the near future.

In the meantime, HFRS fire control staff remain dedicated to their responsibilities and the fire control room in Eastleigh remains fully operational and committed to making Hampshire safer.

-Alan House, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.