By Saul Cooke-Black

FIRE Minister Mark Francois has ruled out a merger of fire authorities with police and crime commissioners in Gloucestershire.

It comes after concerns were highlighted that government proposals for more joint working with the blue light services could lead to the transfer of control for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service from the county council to the police and crime commissioner.

County council leader Mark Hawthorne said: "I’m glad that the government has ruled out any forced changes to Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

"It is good news that the Fire Minister has been very clear about future proposals."

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP for the Cotswolds, said: "When I learnt that there were proposals to bring the responsibility for Fire Services under the control of Police and Crime Commissioners I was concerned as the current system in Gloucestershire both works well and is democratic.

"I was therefore happy to take this issue up with the Fire Minister and am pleased that he has confirmed there will not be any forced changes."