MORE than 1,000 people have responded to a consultation on bringing fire services under the control of the police and crime commissioner.

The exercise was launched five weeks ago by Roger Hirst, the police and crime commissioner for Essex.

Mr Hirst said: “The people of Essex want to see more investment into front line services and they tell me they are surprised that Essex Police and Fire and Rescue aren’t already working more closely together.”

The commissioner is keen to see even more responses.

He added: “I want to make it clear that joint governance will bring closer cooperation, but the identities of a police officer and a fire officer will remain distinct.”

The consultation will end on May 10.