GROUND was broken yesterday at the site where Cumbria's first multi-service emergency hub will by built by the end of the year.

After almost two years of work, construction of the Furness Peninsula Blue Light Hub will soon begin, providing a purpose-built centre for local emergency services.

By December this year the £4.6m project will house police, fire and ambulance workers, as well as provide a training centre and community space for Ulverston's residents.

Councillor Barry Doughty, County Council cabinet member for fire and rescue, said: "It took time. We had to look at the location we had to liaise carefully with the ambulance and fire services to make sure that everyone was happy."

After an initial five locations were proposed for the hub, planners decided it would be built on land beside the A590, just before the Daltongate junction.

The hub's name included the word 'Furness' to ensure that the estimated 6,000 residents in the area it will serve feel they are all equally represented, no matter where they live.

It will provide space for police, fire and ambulance services in Ulverston, replacing their respective bases at the Ulverston Business Centre, The Ellers and Victoria Road.

Ulverston mayor Mark Wilson, who attended the ceremony, said Ulverston Town Council was grateful that they had been given an opportunity to be part of the project.

This was a far cry from the initial sentiment of the council. When plans were first submitted, Cllr Colin Pickthall described the base as "ugly beyond belief".

Cllr Doughty was enthusiastic about the project, believing it represents the next stage of how emergency services work together in the 21st century. He said: "It is up to us to make it work. It will help training, save money, offer office space for the county council, and a community hub. It is a real first for the county, I'm pleased that it is happening."

Local police have voiced their support for the project believing it will lead to closer ties between the different services.

Sergeant Rupert Johnston of Cumbria Police said: "This multi-service hub is an exciting development for Ulverston and the surrounding area. The force will continue to work closely with the other partners as the process continues and its completion will lead to closer working relationships between the core emergency services."

As a result of the hub's construction, PCSOs will no longer be based in Ulverston Business Centre in New Market Street.

However, Cllr Doughty does not think it will have an adverse affect on the community. He said: "It's only a 10 minute walk away, I don't think it will be a major problem."

Work will begin within the next month and will last until December as the hub, and connecting road are built.