Plans to merge fire control rooms will set alarm bells ringing with residents for two major reasons.

Many don’t want to see this vital function taken out of the county.

The role that call operators play is a matter of life and death, and their local knowledge could prove invaluable when seconds count.

Fears that a centre in Berkshire or Buckinghamshire would lack this knowledge are natural. And it is important concerns are dealt with.

But deputy chief fire officer Colin Thomas has countered this and said local knowledge is a factor, but not as important as people think.

This may well be the case but given what is at stake, further assurances are needed before any merger takes place.

People need to know any change is to improve the service’s ability to help us in times of need, and not a veiled attempt to save cash.

We also lived through the floods and it may well be a sub-regional centre would be better able to cope with such a large-scale incident in the future.

After all, neighbouring fire services come together in times of crises to offer frontline support and expertise.

But a second worry will be the feeling of deja vu.

Labour’s plans for regional control centres proved a seven-year white elephant that cost the county dear, some £423m to be precise.

This debacle cannot be repeated.

Residents deserve better, and so do our firefighters.