CURRENT chairman of Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority Coun Roger Phillips expressed his disappointment at the Home Secretary’s decision but pledged to work with the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure a smooth transition period.
The fire chief said he expected a handover to take place in the summer but said the controversial move would only add to the feeling of uncertainty for staff across the area.
“The communities of both Herefordshire and Worcestershire enjoy great levels of service from their Fire and Rescue Service, it is our job now to ensure these standards are maintained,” he said.
“We will work with the PCC to ensure our principles of adding value to local communities, delivering on collaboration where it is make sense to do so, and our determined focus on efficiency and effectiveness are all continued and, where possible, enhanced as we prepare to hand over governance.”
The service already has a number of key collaboration projects it is undertaking with both West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, such as the move of HWFRS headquarters to the police headquarters at Hindlip Hall later this year, the projects will be unaffected by the move.
“We are working with the PCC to make sure any future changes to the way people work are well-thought through, are designed to maintain or improve the current levels of service performance and support, are sustainable in the long-term and are developed in full consultation with any affected staff groups.”
West Mercia Police Chief Constable Anthony Bangham backed the proposals but senior Labour figures at County Hall have called on Worcestershire County Council to reaffirm its cross-party opposition to the plan and press for a judicial review.
Worcestershire county councillors unanimously rejected Mr Campion’s proposals during the consulation process and said the move would not be in the interest of improving public safety or the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the service.
