The new chairman of the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority will address Wiltshire Council next week, ahead of an expected row over the proposed service merger.

Councillor Chris Devine will deliver a presentation on Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to the full council meeting on Tuesday.

Plans to merge the authority with Dorset Fire and Rescue Service as part of a major cost-cutting exercise have recently been thrown into doubt, after north Wiltshire MP James Gray cast doubt on the idea, expressing concerns over emergency response times.

It was disputed by Trowbridge councillor Graham Payne, who resigned as authority chairman last month, claiming he had lost support of the board. The meeting is at County Hall at 10.45am.