SWINDON Council is set to formally support plans to merge Wiltshire and Dorset Fire services to cut costs.

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue is facing a cut in funding from central government, leaving it in danger of eventually going bankrupt.

In a bid to combat the issue, a series of options have been put forward in a public consultation, one of them being a merger.

Merging is seen as the best way of avoiding the loss of frontline services and at a council meeting earlier this month it was agreed to support the proposal.

Coun Joe Tray (Lab, Penhill and Upper Stratton) is a retired firefighter and is on the Swindon and Wiltshire Fire Authority.

He said he is broadly supportive of the plan in the current circumstances but said it would be better if the fire service was properly funded.

“I would prefer to see a fully funded fire service but if this is the direction we are going, then the merger is the best option,” he said.

“Wiltshire Fire and Rescue is facing a shortfall of almost £4 million and if things do not change it will be declared bankrupt, which we must not let happen. The merger is the best way to avoid any closure of fire stations or fully trained firefighters losing their jobs.”

The consultation presents three options, which include sharing resources with other agencies, but the merger with Dorset is the only one which would find the necessary savings.

Many of the savings would be found through back office cuts, so fire chiefs believe the public would not see any major change and the response time of ten minutes could be maintained.

Before the consultation closes next month, the council will respond in favour of the plan.

Despite supporting the plan, Coun Tray believes the reduction in government funding is wrong, especially with Swindon facing a period of rapid growth.

He said: “The people of Swindon and Wiltshire deserve a fully funded and operational fire service.

“It is not that long ago we were talking about increasing the number of fire stations in Swindon, but now we are going the other way.

“It is vital that firefighters are able to respond quickly when they get a callout. It is not only the human cost with fires but there is a financial cost so it makes sense to have a fully functioning service.

“With so many houses set to be built it is important to maintain a strong level of cover and I will fight to make sure none shut.”

The consultation can be accessed online via www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/strengtheningourfrs.