DISAPPOINTMENT has been expressed over the continued plans of a police chief to take control of the fire service.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion is proposing to take on governance of local fire services in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire.

All four local authorities objected to the plans, as well as two fire authorities – but Mr Campion has continued to progress his plan.

Chairman of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Fire Authority, Councillor Roger Phillips, said: “We as a Fire Authority are disappointed that the Police and Crime Commissioner wants to continue his takeover of the fire authorities in West Mercia against the wishes of the four principle local authorities, the two fire authorities and his own crime panel.

“We had hoped he would have worked with us on a more locally agreed process and timetable of collaboration in the interest of public safety and efficiency of public funds.”

Speaking at last Friday's meeting of full council, Cllr Sebastian Bowen, chairman of the scrutiny committee, expressed his own disappointment.

He said: "Have you [leader] or the cabinet or council any means of reinforcing the views of these top tier authorities and the fire authorities with the minister involved to make sure our views are fully and properly understood, and the importance of them as well?"

Leader of Herefordshire Council, Cllr Tony Johnson said: "I agree entirely with your comments and I would like to thanks Cllr Phillips for considerable work he's done on this matter to coordinate responses from various local authorities and fire authorities.

"It's been known and clear from the very beginning of course that the PCC does have the right to continue to make whatever recommendation he chooses to the minister ultimately.

"The recommendation we will be making is there's no need for any argument between himself and our collective selves and that by working closely together as Cllr Phillips has repeatedly pointed out we can all get the service and everything we want.

"So I regret very much the action he has taken. It was only yesterday I saw an email from another local authority suggesting we send some sort of joint reply back. I believe Cllr Phillips will be doing that on our behalf and we will keep you advised."