David Ruffley will meet local members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) on Wednesday, 14 September at the Manor House Museum in Bury to receive an update from them on the situation with regard to the loss of 12 turntable operatives at Bury Fire Station. David has kept in close touch with firefighters in his constituency since these jobs were first put under threat.

Immediately following this private meeting with David the FBU members will address the meeting of the Bury St Edmunds Town Council Community and Leisure Committee in the Ballroom of the Manor House Museum at 7.30 p.m. This meeting is open to the public.

David said: 'Not only is the local fire service being threatened with job losses but we are also in danger of losing local control of the fire service with new Government proposals to regionalise the service.

Only last week I wrote to John Prescott to express my opposition to Government proposals for regionalised emergency fire control rooms. I know from the contact I have had from firefighters in my constituency that they are extremely concerned at the damage these proposals could have for the local fire service. I agree with them.

According to the Fire Brigades Union the Deputy Prime Minister's Department has admitted that the new IT system needed for the regionalisation project, FiReControl, has a high risk of failure with the forecast for the total cost now a staggering £988 million.

I am asking John Prescott to look again at his proposals which are concerning firefighters and public alike in my constituency.'