A RADICAL suggestion to put police and crime commissioners in charge of the fire service has come under fresh attack in Worcestershire.

Members of Worcestershire County Council say they fear if ministers allowed the change to go ahead it would have a "negative impact".

As your Worcester News first reported last month, the Government is consulting over trying to bring the police and fire services closer together in a bid to save cash.

A consultation paper says police and crime commissioners (PCCs) could "take on the duties and responsibilities of fire and rescue authorities", merging both into one employer where "a local case is made" for it.

Councillor Derek Prodger, who chairs the Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority, has already issued a 'hands off' warning by severely criticising the idea.

He was asked to expand upon his view during a county council meeting yesterday, with others joining in the criticism.

Labour Councillor Graham Vickery said: "I and my colleagues have been very impressed with the efficiency and performance of the fire service - it's been exemplary in doing the job it's meant to do.

"I'd very much regret any changes to the way it works."

He said he felt it could have a "negative impact" before asking Councillor Prodger to express his views on it.

Councillor Prodger said: "I'm on record as saying I'm not a supporter of the PCC taking control of the fire service, they are completely different roles.

"We've completed the questionnaire to the minister and I can also tell you the LGA (Local Government Association) does not support it either.

"As far as I'm concerned, I don't support this at all."

The current PCC for West Mercia Police is Bill Longmore, who is stepping down next year at the May elections.

The only confirmed candidate for the contest so far is Conservative Councillor John Campion, with Labour's process not due to finish until early next year.

Mr Longmore has already said the issue "will ultimately be one for the next PCC to look at" after the elections.

The Government consultation to local authorities over it ended last month and is broadly based on closer working between the ambulance, fire and police services.

The consultation paper also said if areas decide to not have a PCC controlling the fire service, the commissioner "must have a representation" on the relevant fire and rescue authorities in their patch.