North Wales looks set to follow the Island’s example – and set up a joint emergency control room for its police, fire and ambulance services.

In February, North Wales chief constable Richard Brunstrom visited the Island’s Emergency Services Joint Control Room – which is the first of its type in the British Isles.

Now, a police building in St Asaph is being prepared for use as early as the first quarter of 2009.

And the Wales Ambulance Service Trust is considering strategic options for the future of the control operations in the region.

Jason Roberts reports (audio file attached):

In a statement, the Trust said it’s talking to the fire service and police about sharing premises, technology and communications in much the same way the Island’s 999 services do.

But the public services union Unison says it has concerns about the future of staff and is seeking assurances.

The Welsh Assembly cabinet has already backed plans for joint control rooms in Wales subject to an evaluation exercise.

After his visit this year, the Chief Constable said the Manx control room laid down a challenge to the UK to follow suit.