FIREFIGHTERS in Wiltshire could strike over plans for a new joint emergency services headquarters, which they say could cost lives.

The National Fire Brigades' Union has launched a dispute with Wiltshire Fire Authority to try and suspend the transfer of fire control to the new emergency communications centre in Devizes.

Fire controllers say sharing a room with police and ambulance service controllers would create an unacceptable noise distraction, putting their health and safety at risk as well as affecting the public.

The project was put forward three years ago but discussions between Wiltshire Fire service and the FBU have failed to resolve all the firefighters' concerns.

Failure to reach an agreement comes as it was announced last night that the latest round of national talks over pay have failed.

The FBU has rejected a rise of 16 per cent and called for another one-day walkout on Thursday.