‘GHOST callouts’ are among the operational errors resulting from an understaffed Winsford fire control centre – according to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

The Winsford HQ mobilises firefighters across Cheshire, and in June took on extra workload after Cumbria’s centre was axed.

FBU regional secretary Kevin Brown said crews in Cumbria were encountering a peculiar issue whereby the station alarm wakes firecrews for no reason.

“The alarm goes and the crews respond, but when they get to the teleprinter to read the message, there’s nothing there,” he said.

Mr Brown said staff in Winsford were so concerned that the FBU was writing on their behalf to the chair of Cheshire Fire Service, Clr John Joyce, to say they would not accept personal or collective responsibility for operational errors.

“I can’t impress enough that it’s not down to people in Cheshire doing a great job; it’s just that they’re disappearing under the workload,” he said.

Mr Brown said he believed members of the public would get a ‘worsened’ service if – as planned – the services of Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire and GMC are decamped to Warrington in 2014.

Cheshire Fire Service maintains that the move to Warrington will not have a negative impact on operations, and will save money.

A spokesman said that the merger between Cumbria and Cheshire continued to be ‘extremely effective'.

They added that a ghost call out that occurred in Cumbria ‘was related to mobilising equipment and not the actions of control room staff, who continue to provide a highly competent and professional service.’