Backing of Wiltshire and Dorset fire services merger plan welcomed by former chairman

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is facing large cuts in Government funding and plans were put forward to merge with Dorset Fire and Rescue Service to save £4m in a bid to protect frontline services.

Wiltshire councillor Graham Payne (Con, Trowbridge Drynham) stepped down from his role as chairman of Wiltshire and Swindon Combined Fire Authority in June after he claimed did not have support of the board over the issue.

He said: “I am delighted by the news that Swindon has decided to support the merger proposed.

“This follows on from a meeting of the Trowbridge Area Board where a straw poll indicated unanimous support for the merger.

“I very much hope now that Wiltshire Council will see good sense in the proposal and give their whole hearted support to the merger.”

This major cost-cutting exercise is one of three options outlined in a consultation launched on July 21 to give people a say on the future of the fire service in Wiltshire.

Other options include sharing resources with other agencies, but the merger with Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is the only one which would find the necessary £4m savings, it has been claimed.

Coun Payne said: “If nothing is done and the Government does not give fire authorities any more money, the likelihood is Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will go bankrupt in three years.”

But North Wiltshire MP James Gray has said: “I voiced fears about the merger of the ambulance service a few years ago and those worries have turned out to be correct.

"The response times for Wiltshire are now worse than they used to be and I fear this will happen to the fire service as well if there was to be a merger.”

The consultation runs until October 20 and can be accessed online via www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/strengtheningourfrs

Wiltshire and Swindon Combined Fire Authority is expected to make a decision during its November meeting.