THE deputy leader of Worcester City Council has called on the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner to listen to those rejecting his proposals for the way fire services are governed.

Councillor Marc Bayliss joins Worcestershire County Council, Herefordshire County Council, Shropshire Council and Telford and Wrekin Council, as well as a number of district councils in Worcestershire, in dismissing plans to allow John Campion to take over the governing of both Shropshire and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Services.

Speaking about these changes Cllr Bayliss said: “John Campion rightly consulted authorities affected by these proposed changes and they have given him a clear reply that they do not believe it’s in the best interest of local residents to move forward in this way.

"I hope that the commissioner will respect those responses and will now abandon these proposals.

"This is not a party political issue with local councillors of all parties, including fellow Conservatives like John and I, stating this is not the best way to proceed.

"I fear that recent press statements from the PCC citing the responses of less than 0.5% of the public indicate that he is considering pressing on with these proposals.

"That would be a mistake and would lead people to question whether the consultation was of any value and whether the Commissioner understands the strength of feeling out there in the communities.”

West Mercia Police is implementing savings of £9.5 million this year with a further £21.9 million projected by the end of 2020/21.

Mr Campion claims his changes would save £4 million a year.

More than 60 per cent of the 1,300 public responses made during the three-month consultation supported Mr Campion's plans, citing 'financial considerations' as the main reason.

This followed councillors from both Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council voicing their opposition.

At a meeting on September 14, county councillors unanimously backed a substantive motion stating the proposals would not be in the interests of improving public safety or the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the service.

This followed city councillor's reached a cross-party agreement to oppose the takeover in August.

Both bodies have vowed to send letters to the PCC, for consideration as part of the consultation.