FIRE chiefs have moved a step closer to creating a formal link with Warwickshire.
Bosses from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue confirmed they were forming ‘greater collaboration’ links with the neighbouring service at a fire authority meeting on Wednesday (December 10).
But they admitted the idea of an official contractual alliance, or even a merger, posed difficulties and needed further investigation.
Councillors agreed no further work would take place on option 4 – a strategic alliance which would see the two remain as separate organisations but share services, similar to how West Mercia and Warwickshire Police work.
Option 5 was also thrown out which would have seen a full merger resulting in both organisations becoming a single service.
Instead, members voted for an operational collaboration between the forces – known as Option 2 – with the view to work towards a ‘strategic light alliance’ by late 2015.
That would result in formal agreements between the two organisations to work together on areas such as policy, training, and health and safety, but could be easily terminated.
Coun Fran Oborski, who reviewed the options, said they could not look into a full merger until after the general election.
“There are further periods of austerity and anything we can do to protect the services in the counties is the best decision.” she said.
“We are a stand-alone fire and rescue service while Warwickshire is with the county council and it is a completely different animal.”
Coun Andy Fry, who represents Redditch, said he would not support a full alliance.
“An alliance would not be beneficial for the people of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. This close working is a ladder, and this is one foot on that ladder.” he said.
“I can see a full collaboration happening in the future and I will not support that.”
Mark Yates, chief fire officer, said all options remained open to them.
“We fully recognise that no further work should be carried on option 4 at this moment in time.” he said.
“The future is somewhat uncertain before things become a bit clearer, but we will carry on doing the work which will benefit our operational collaboration.”
