MEMBERS of the local fire authority agreed to merge Wiltshire and Swindon Fire and Rescue with Dorset at a meeting this afternoon.

With both services facing a reduction in government funding of 50 per cent over the next few years, several million pounds needs to be found.

The merger is seen as the best way to find those savings without major frontline cuts, including job losses and station closures.

A number of concerns were raised by members, such as the equalisation of Dorset and Wiltshire precepts and ensuring Wiltshire has equal representation, but in the a vote the decision was passed unanimously.

Chief Fire Officer, Simon Routh-Jones, said: “I have always been certain that combination offers the best possible future for Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, our staff, and the communities that we serve.

“I am determined that local people will continue to have an outstanding Fire & Rescue Service, and combination with Dorset gives us that certainty.

“I am very grateful to everyone who took the time to participate in the 13 week consultation, as that feedback gave us the firm foundations we needed for what has been the most important decision in the Service’s long and illustrious history.”

The next stage is to receive permission from the government to go ahead with the move and then to discuss details of any changes. It is hoped everything will be completed by April 2016.