THE region's fire chief has condemned plans by the police commissioner to govern the fire service.

We reported that Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion is submitting a full business case to the Home Office over his controversial proposal to govern both Shropshire and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Services, a move that he says will save £4 million a year.

Cllr Roger Phillips, chairman of the Hereford and Worcester fire authority, has said that Mr Campion is pursuing the plans despite a wealth of opposition.

“We as a Fire Authority are disappointed that the Police & 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," he said.

“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.”

Mr Campion has claimed that a single governing body would give the best opportunity to improve local police and fire collaboration, efficiency, and ultimately, the services delivered to local communities.

“I promised I would listen to, and be guided by, our communities and that is what I am doing," he said.

"If there is credible evidence that a change in governance would cost less, achieve more and has public backing, I cannot just ignore that.

"For those reasons I felt it was right to further develop these proposals, create a full business case and put it to government for their consideration.

"I recognise that some people had raised concerns during the consultation, but I am confident those concerns have been addressed in the full business case.

"Enhanced collaboration between our emergency services must now be delivered to increase public safety."

Mr Campion's plans have been heavily criticised by both Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council.

Results of a public consultation by the PCC showed that more than 1,300 responses were received during three months, of which 61% said they supported the idea.