RESIDENTS in Blackwood are gearing up to fight proposals to merge the town's fire station with one in Bargoed.

And it could mean the nearest fire station to Blackwood being five miles away.

Discussions have begun about replacing Cefn Fforest and Bargoed stations with one new dedicated station to serve both areas.

A report to a recent South Wales Fire Authority meeting said the new Bargoed bypass has "provided the opportunity" to replace the two stations.

The location of a possible new station has not yet been decided - and would follow the finalisation of the bypass plans.

A sum for the plan costs and initial fees is included in the authority's capital programme for 2006/7.

South Wales Fire Service stressed yesterday that the new station was still at the discussion stages and was not a firm proposal.

But councillors said they would oppose any plans to place the full-time fire station outside the area.

Residents were also against the move, which could mean the nearest station to Blackwood would be Bargoed or Abercarn.

Cefn Fforest councillor Tom Williams said: "Residents here have a fire station right on their doorstep. "We would oppose this - the station already covers a big area."

Blackwood resident William Bendall, of Tredegar Road, said: "This is not a good idea. It is that much further away if we have any problems. I think it should be kept in Blackwood - the town is getting bigger all the time."

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge added: "I would have major concerns about response times and safety - and what would happen to the firefighters. We must save our station."

A spokeswoman for South Wales Fire Service said yesterday: "If this goes from the discussion stages to a firm proposal we would consult the public. While we would like to bring in new facilities it doesn't mean it is going to happen." ."