REPLACING Kent's fire control room with an amalgamated base for the South East would be a "logistical nightmare".

That's the claim being made by union representatives on the day the FBU stages a major seminar to look at the effect the Government proposal will have from 2007.

FBU regional secretary David Keating says the county must keep its own control room as operators have the "local knowledge" to ensure calls are dealt with quickly.

Fire and Rescue Service Minister Nick Raynsford insists the regional approach is not about undermining local responsiveness but about improving effectiveness.

Mr Keating expressed his views in an interview with KM-fm...