A FIRE service merger between Worcestershire and Warwickshire is off the agenda - for now.

Plans to hold talks between Hereford & Worcester Fire Service and counterparts in Warwickshire have been blocked by politicians.

During a fire authority meeting today, councillors said they needed far more details on the potential implications of the discussions before giving it the green light.

Councillor Richard Udall, who leads the Labour group on the fire authority, said: “The amalgamation would be a distraction when the service should be protecting itself from cuts – not propping up another authority.”

The authority voted for the talks to be postponed, and asked for a report with more details on it to be published in December.

As your Worcester News reported on Wednesday, both fire services want to discuss the potential for coming together.

It comes after previous talks on a merger back in 2007 and 2008 collapsed, amid fears it could worsen the service.