Suffolk and Norfolk Police control room merger could cost 70 jobs

Seventy jobs could be lost under plans to merge Suffolk and Norfolk police control rooms.

The proposals, aimed at saving £1.8m, would see all emergency calls answered at Norfolk Police's HQ in Wymondham, near Norwich.

Civilian staff who could be affected were being briefed, said Suffolk Police - adding that no final decision had been made.

The two forces' collaboration panel will consider the plans on Thursday.

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said only initial discussions would take place at the meeting.

He said he needed to be convinced the proposals were "resilient and effective" and would be in the best interests of people in Suffolk.

A Suffolk Police spokesman said: "Technology now allows the two forces to base their control room function in any location but still provide the telephony, computer systems and radio coverage to operate across both counties seamlessly.

"The recommendation, therefore, is for a single control room site for both counties.

"For people who require police assistance this move will make no difference to the service they receive. Officers will still be attending local incidents from local stations."