PROPOSALS to take control of a county’s fire service has taken a further blow after yet another council voted unanimously against the move.

Hambleton District Council has followed Richmondshire District Council and North Yorkshire County Council in opposing plans proposed by Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan.

The unanimous decision by the district council follows the launch of a public consultation by Mrs Mulligan over whether she should also take over responsibility for the fire service.

This would mean the Fire and Rescue Authority would cease to exist as a governing body.

At this morning's meeting, Hambleton councillors said that decreasing the fire authority’s membership from 16 to one would destroy any chance of local accountability.

They supported the representation model which proposes to provide the commissioner a place on the fire authority to allow her a voice.

Councillor Peter Wilkinson said: “Our suggestion would give the commissioner a voice within the fire authority but not overall control.

“This would provide both increased local accountability as well as strong collaborative links between the police and the fire service.”

But Mrs Mulligan believes there is significant benefits from improved collaboration - saving money by sharing sites and resources.

She also estimates the financial benefits over ten years will be £6.6m, which could then be reinvested in frontline staff.

The meeting was one of a series of consultations on the proposals which will last until Friday, September 22.