COMMUNICATION within Worcestershire's fire service needs to be improved, employees have told their new boss.

They have told new chief fire officer Paul Hayden that it is one of the most frustrating aspects of their job along with issues about culture and uniform.

Mr Hayden, who took up his post with the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service in February, has been meeting staff to "get an early feel for the organisation".

He gave a report entitled First Impressions to a meeting of the authority on Friday, which highlighted key concerns.

"Although different staff groups raised points of specific interest to them, many issues were common amongst all staff. For example, in one form or another most groups raised issues around communications, culture and uniform."

He said that staff did express pride in their profession, the job they do for the public and teamwork.

Mr Hayden concluded: "My first impressions are that Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has much to be proud of. If anything we have a number of initiatives that can genuinely be described as "cutting edge".

While I do not underestimate the challenges that lie ahead in meeting government and community expectations in terms of modernisation, I believe we have all the foundation stones in place for creating a vibrant service very much focussed on the future."

He praised the people and service but said there was still room for improvement in terms of communication, investment, people and change issues and culture saying "It's time to modernise".