JOHN Prescott has announced more than £7 million will be spent on making the troubled Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh better equipped to tackle the post-September 11 terrorist threat.

The Deputy Prime Minister announced the expenditure in a Government White Paper, entitled Our Fire and Rescue Service.

Outlining the Government's vision for the service's future, it calls for an efficient service focused on fire prevention, working with and for the community and acting fairly to all its personnel.

It details plans to develop the 500-acre, 265-staff London Road college into a "centre of excellence" specialising in incident management training and creating scenarios relevant to the post-September 11 world.

The £7 million will include £2.5 million for specialist urban search and rescue equipment.

The Government hopes the college will shape the service's direction and culture while driving change via links with other fire service and industry institutions.

The college will introduce the Integrated Personal Development System (IPDS), designed to change the way the service is managed, developed and assessed.

Phil Hope, Minister responsible for the college, said: "The White Paper sets out our vision for a Fire and Rescue Service refocused to fire prevention, which will in turn save more lives and reduce injuries.

"The reforms will also be of benefit to all those who work in the service who will now be able to look to the future with rewarding careers and opportunities - and as a centre of excellence, the Fire Service College will be at the heart of this."

College Chief Executive, Robin Currie, said: "I am delighted by this excellent news which demonstrates on-going support for the long-term future of the college."

Founded in 1968 and made into a trading fund in 1992, the college trains civilian firefighters from across Britain and the world.

In 1999, the then Home Secretary, Jack Straw, announced a review of its debts because about £7.5 million was needed for repairs.

Last May, Terry Glossop, the college's Commandant and Chief Executive, was suspended on full pay.

His suspension centered upon alleged financial irregularities connected with the letting of college premises.

Mr Glossop has since retired.