NAILSEA's fire station could soon be expanded at a cost of £1.56million to create a regional base to deal with major emergencies in the West. The proposal comes in the wake of the September 11 attacks as the Government seeks to improve the country's abili

NAILSEA's fire station could soon be expanded at a cost of £1.56million to create a regional base to deal with major emergencies in the West.The proposal comes in the wake of the September 11 attacks as the Government seeks to improve the country's ability to respond to disasters.If given the go-ahead, high-volume pumps, search and rescue equipment and a mass decontamination unit would be housed at the Clevedon Road site.Its facilities would also include a lecture theatre, a workshop and kennels for search and rescue dogs.The regional base would be staffed by 16 full-time and 14 part-time firefighters.At the time of going to press, a planning application had yet to be lodged with North Somerset Council, but was said to be imminent.A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: "Nailsea has been earmarked for the regional base as it's the only site we own or use which is suitable for the facilities which need to be put in place."The centre would deal with major incidents such as rail crashes and buildings collapses as well as responding to the terrorist threat."The base will serve the area from Gloucestershire to Cornwall in collaboration with Devon Fire and Rescue Service."The funding of the centre is still being negotiated. Its equipment is being provided by the Government." Cllr Glyn Duck, a North Somerset councillor and a member of Avon Fire Authority, said: "The new regional centre can only lead to the residents of North Somerset and beyond having an improved fire service.