FIREFIGHTERS’ leaders claim a decision to merge the Dorset and Wilshire fire and rescue services is the result of continuing cuts which could cost lives.

They spoke out as it was revealed that a pot of £5.54million could be available to Dorset Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Authority if a proposed merger with Wiltshire Fire Authority goes ahead.

The government will make the money available should the two services combine.

The announcement came yesterday as a 13-week consultation into the future of the fire service came to a close.

The consultation put forward a number of options for the future, including the merger of the two fire authorities to create a single Combined Fire Authority.

The Fire Brigades Union for both Dorset and Wiltshire services have responded to the consultation, calling for long term, strategic investment in the service.

Karen Adams, FBU brigade secretary in Dorset, said these were desperate times for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and funding cuts were having a serious impact on the service.

She said: “No matter the outcome of the consultation we are demanding long term, strategic investment in our service.”

Trevor French, FBU regional secretary, said that nationally central funding to the fire service had been cut by more than a fifth during this parliament, with further cuts planned for 2015-16.

He said: “Our service has suffered unprecedented and dangerous cuts to central funding in the last decade.

“These cuts will ultimately cost lives, destroy homes and businesses, drive up insurance premiums and damage the environment.”

He added: “Now the FBU is putting a marker down: We will not pay for political cuts with our jobs, our service and the safety of firefighters and the public.”

Chief Fire Officer, Darran Gunter said: “This funding from government is an excellent step on our road to a potential combination and I am really pleased to have received their support for our plans.”

He added that should the authorities merge then they were keen to extend facilities like StreetWise into Wiltshire and Swindon. He said: “Our aim is to provide an additional 20,000 extra visits to young people and allow early intervention to save lives by changing lives.”

Dorset Fire Authority will review the consultation findings at their meeting on November 4, and Wiltshire Fire Authority will meet on November 11 to discuss the issue.