A COMBINED police, fire and rescue force for Essex has moved a step closer.

A new high-level board is being spearheaded to investigate the potential merger, which could see the police and fire service share buildings and resources and cut back-office costs.

Roger Hirst, Essex Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I believe there is the potential for real benefits for Essex.

“I will be exploring the options with chief officers of Essex Police and Es - sex County Fire and Rescue Service, and the Essex Fire Authority.

“Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police have long and proud traditions of serving the public. They share the key objective of making our county a safer place.

“But there are many opportunities for delivering a better, more effective, service through working closer together and sharing resources.

“This is already happening through initiatives such as Parish Safety Volunteers, who work with communities in rural areas, to the Safer Essex Roads Partnership.”

Mr Hirst said closer working practices between the services could help to prevent emergencies.

He said: “By creating a more joined up infrastructure - support and enabling staff, transport, buildings, IT and communications – we may be able to do even more to prevent, protect, and respond.

“To explore options for closer collaboration, we have created a strategic board whose members include acting chief fire officer Adam Eckley, Essex Police chief constable Stephen Kavanagh and Essex Fire Authority chairman Tony Hedley.

He said: “Over the next few months, a small team will develop a business case, including options for governance of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police in collaborative work.