TAUNTON’S FiReControl centre is set to be examined by MPs after a series of delays.

The centre, part of the FiReControl project, will replace seven local control rooms, covering from Cornwall to Gloucestershire.

It was due to open in 2007 but the transfer has been delayed due to a series of IT problems.

Now Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are not expected to move in until May 2011 with Cornwall’s fire service waiting until January 2012.

A select committee of cross-party MPs will launch a probe into the centre, which is thought to cost taxpayers £5,000 a day while lying empty, in the New Year.

A spokesman from the Communities and Local Government Department said: “Regional control centres are in active day-to-day use.

“They are being used for regional exercises, training, workshops, events, visits by control room and other fire and rescue service staff.

“There is a programme to fit out the centres. Before each goes live there will be system testing and essential staff training.

“We are committed to getting it right and delivering a solution that meets the operational needs of the fire and rescue services so ensuring public safety.

“The Government's £1billion investment in Fire and Resilience services is already delivering significant capability - a digital radio system to enable the emergency services to speak to each other during live incidents and new vehicles and equipment to respond to natural disasters or terrorist incidents.

“No Fire and Rescue Authority will bear any additional cost through the move to FiReControl.”