COUNCILLORS have accused the police and crime commissioner of attempting a 'hostile takeover' of the fire service – with one telling him to "back off".

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion is trying to expand his role to take control of fire authorities in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.

He says the project would save an estimated £4 million a year by bringing together West Mercia Police, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

If the proposals are successful, the commissioner would replace councillors sitting on the two fire authorities.

The takeover is still in a consultation phase and was discussed at a fire authority meeting in Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, on Tuesday (June 27).

Mr Campion said he would try to steer away from the more 'emotive language' used by councillors in response to his business case.

He said: "It's not a hostile takeover of the authority. It's suggesting replacing the two authorities.

"I don't expect [members] to take these proposals lying down.

"I want to take advice. The job of holding to account is what we are debating here.

"As fire authority members we should be proud of the situation we find ourselves in and be open-minded."

Mr Campion said regardless of the decision made, he has "massive confidence" in the service.

But Cllr Kit Taylor said the commissioner's business case was "patronising and mildly insulting".

"There's absolutely nothing in this document that makes me want to subscribe to joining the police," he said.

"The police are not seen as a life saving organisation, [they are] potentially seen as a life destroying organisation by certain members of the public."

Cllr Taylor said firefighters are popular around the country – but claimed that the merger could change the way they are seen by the public.

Cllr Richard Udall said: "It will put power in the hands of one person, not the many.

"Today we had a public debate about fire cover, that wouldn't be possible under the decision making of one person.

"Frankly John, you're not wanted, back off."

Cllr Andrew Fry said: "Debate will be lost, progress will be lost and safety will be lost.

"It's a dreadful situation that an excellent authority like this is being dragged against its will into collaboration or takeover by the PCC.

"Members who have experience are very proud of the authority. We know we are doing a good job. We have a strong argument for remaining a fire authority."

Cllr John Raine said he felt the document he received detailing the takeover proposal was lacking in things that he would usually expect to be included in a business case.

Cllr Fran Oborski said: "Having read the document, if that's a business case, I'm a sugar plum fairy."

She warned that the takeover would result in an "appalling democratic deficit".

Members of the fire authority also said they felt the consultation phase – which ends on September 11 – was not long enough.