Graham Payne, former chairman of Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority, says he feels vindicated, after members voted unanimously in favour of combining with neighbouring Dorset.

The Dorset Fire Authority had already unanimously agreed to the move at a meeting at the beginning of November, with the Wiltshire and Swindon authority supporting the move at a meeting last week.

A 13-week public consultation showed an overwhelming preference by residents, businesses and partners across both counties for combination, not just for financial reasons, but also for efficiency and resilience.

Cllr Payne resigned as chairman of the authority earlier this year as he did not believe he had the backing of the board in his support for the merger, although he is glad members have now come to the same conclusion.

He said: “I have always felt the merger was the best way forward and I have been waiting to be convinced by others of a better alternative, but there wasn’t a realistic financial alternative put forward by anyone.

“It’s great to see that they have agreed to the move and the hard work now starts to ensure that the merge gets the approval of the government, which it should do, so the transition can take place.

“It is the right decision for the people of Wiltshire. The people only really cared about getting the same response times and preventing any cuts to frontline firefighters.

“Not everyone on the fire authority agreed with me that a merger was the best way forward, but now the same decision has been reached unanimously I am very happy.

"I felt comfortable with the option from day one and I’m glad we can now move forward.”

Combination with Dorset was also the strong recommendation of Chief Fire Officer Simon Routh-Jones, as professional advisor to the Fire Authority, and Chief Finance Officer Phil Chow, as it would enable the organisation to maintain a safe, strong and sustainable fire and rescue service.

Work will now start to develop a Combination Order, which will need to be laid before Parliament.

The intention is that a new combined fire authority would come in to existence on April 1, 2016.

Wiltshire Council has stalled twice on giving a view over Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority's future in recent months, despite a motion being put forward by Trowbridge councillor Jeff Osborn to back the merger.

Cllr Payne added: “You can only sit on the fence for so long before it gets uncomfortable. It just demonstrates a complete lack of leadership from the council for the people they represent.”