ESSEX Fire Authority has voted to axe itself...as police and firefighter push ahead with plans to merge services.

The role of the authority was to govern and supervise the county’s fire service – but it has been regularly and heavily criticised.

The new proposal is for police and crime commissioner Roger Hirst to take over the role.

It comes as a consultation into plans to change the way Essex Police and the fire service are governed was announced.

Mr Hirst said: “It would mean better co-operation and more effective support services.

“They will still be two distinct blue light services.”

There have been concerns from firefighters that a closer relationship with the police might make the public wary of them when they attend calls.

Mr Hirst said: “Most of the public regard the police turning up as a good thing but it is clear we do not want any element of the public to not think they can call the fire service due to fear of arrest so they will be kept separate.”

The move, if approved, could lead to job losses as the majority of both police and fire service budgets are currently spent on staffing.

Mr Hirst said these would be subject to separate consultations.

The total combined workforce is currently about 6,800.

He claims combining so-called back office roles would not only save money, including by sharing premises, but will improve public safety and the management of the fire service.

Essex Fire Service was described as corrosive, toxic and dysfunctional in 2015. While some improvements have been made there are still problems.

Chief fire officer David Johnson has been suspended for two years at a cost of millions of pounds - despite no evidence of misconduct being found against him.

Mr Hirst said he hoped these problems are resolved before he takes over, subject to consultation – but believes if not that he is the man to resolve them.

He added: “I would say the expertise of having a PCC rather than the police authority has been effective in terms of speed of decision making, more direct access and helping to resolve issues.”

He said he is not in favour of a joint chief officer because it would “muddy the waters” on the operational side.

And he revealed although the move would free up money for frontline services, he would not be looking to limit the fire service cuts before 2020.

The cuts include the loss of 138 full-time firefighters and several fire engines from stations.

Mr Hirst said he is keen to move to the Kelvedon Park headquarters as soon as possible. It is likely new police headquarters would be based there if the deal goes ahead.

He insisted operational roles will not be compromised.