FIRE chiefs are disappointed that no one turned up to hear them outline plans to move one of Durham's three crews.

The county's brigade held consultation meetings at its headquarters, in Framwellgate Moor, on Monday and Tuesday for people to find out about plans to relocate one of the city's full-time crews to Spennymoor.

The move is part of a plan to build fire stations at Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland and would see the Durham crew taking over from one of two retained crews at Spennymoor.

The brigade says the move would boost cover in Spennymoor and could improve response times to outlying villages in the Durham area. It has been consulting on the proposals since November and the consultation ends tomorrow.

Allan Wood, the brigade's special projects area manager, said presentations have been made to councils and community groups, which were well-attended.

But he said the turnout in Durham for the two public sessions was nil and that one for local businesses only attracted about ten people.

"We are disappointed at the turnout but all we can do is offer them the opportunity to come along and find out about our proposals. We have told as many people as we can."

He added that questionnaires had also been sent out, which people could return with their views.

The response to the consultation will be considered by the fire authority.

Meanwhile, Durham County Council deputy leader Don Ross, who represents Fram-wellgate Moor, said he was confident that the proposal would "not increase any risk in any way" to people in Durham. He said: "I am confident that it will improve the service delivery to an area where we are getting an increase in demand and that has a retained service."