Truro's firefighters and paramedics will be getting to know each other a lot better as they move into one shared station in the town.

Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety (CFRCS) Service and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASfT) have opened their new partnership facilities at Truro Emergency Services Community Station.

SWASfT will be providing an emergency response from the station and will share all facilities there, including having their response vehicles based at the building, which has been refurbished to enhance joint working facilities.

The collaboration began in early January and allows the services to work closer together, share building costs and resources, and provide a more efficient response for the community, as part of a wider programme of collaborative projects between blue light services throughout Cornwall.

Steve Small, operations manager for west Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly at SWASfT, said: “Truro Fire Station is now the second example of collaborative working between CFRCS Service and SWASfT. After the success of the Tri-Service Station at Hayle, utilising Truro Fire station seemed to be the most natural next step.

"The setting of the new station is ideal and being co-located gives both services an opportunity to further build our relationship and gain a better understanding of each other’s roles within the community.”

Paul Walker, chief fire officer for CFRCS, said: “I am very pleased to welcome colleagues from SWASfT to the newly refurbished Truro Community Fire Station.

"Working in partnership, we have refurbished the building to accommodate individual service requirements with shared facilities to support both services to deliver an efficient and professional emergency operational response in Truro and the surrounding area.

"I would like to personally thank all staff from both services involved in designing and delivering this project and send my best wishes for a successful future working together from our newly refurbished building. I firmly believe that shared use of public buildings is efficient and promotes closer working and understanding between emergency service colleagues.

"At a time when all public service budgets are reducing, innovative collaborative new ways of working are needed to maintain excellent emergency service delivery to residents, businesses and visitors to Cornwall.”

Cornwall Council cabinet member for communities Geoff Brown said: “This is yet another example of the benefits of closer co-operation of blue light services and I am delighted that the changes will enhance community safety in the Truro area.”