FIRE chiefs have unveiled plans to create a £5million state-of-the-art fire station to serve Glasgow's East End.

Crews at Parkhead and Cambuslang in neighbouring Lanarkshire would merge and move to a purpose-built facility if the proposal is given the go-ahead.

The new base is needed to cope with the extra demand from 10,000 new homes, sporting facilities and community buildings, planned for the area.

Dalmarnock will be transformed if Glasgow wins the race to host the Commonwealth Games.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue would save up to £700,000 a year by merging the stations.

Around 30 firefighters are based at Cambuslang with more than 50 at Parkhead, but an SFR spokesman said: "There will be no job losses or reduction in service as a result of the proposal.

"Some staff will be redeployed, others will be offered community safety posts."

Brian Sweeney, right, chief officer of SFR, said: "Both stations are in need of considerable investment and the proposals ensure SFR is better placed to deal with the changes in this area."

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue board members are expected to order a feasibility study into the proposals at a meeting in Hamilton tomorrow.

The site for the new station will be the subject of a public consultation exercise.

The area's regeneration is being driven by two key road developments, the £45mn East End Regeneration Route, and the M74 extension.

Other projects, such as the National Indoor Sports Arena, will attract millions of pounds of investment to areas such as Parkhead, Carntyne and Bridgeton.