BUILDING work has begun on a £3 million fire service one-stop shop in Leigh.
It will mean the Greater Manchester Fire Service workshops, supplies, breathing apparatus maintenance and recovery services are all on one site for the first time.
Councillor Fred Walker, chairman of the fire authority, said the present vehicle workshops at Worsley were in urgent need of refurbishment, which would cost in excess of £2 million.
"This income received from the sale of these premises and those occupied by supplies in Walkden will go a long way towards paying for the cost of the Leigh development, as well as saving an additional £100,000 a year on running costs."
Barry Dixon, Greater Manchester County Fire Officer, said he thought having all the services under one roof would made the fire service more efficient.
"Ultimately, it is about providing the people of Greater Manchester with the most effective fire service possible."
Salford-based Bluestone plc is building the unit, which is expected to be finished by 2003.
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