Partnership plans for Northamptonshire police and fire backed

Plans to merge some police and fire service functions in Northamptonshire, put forward by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), have been backed by the crime panel.

Commissioner Adam Simmonds said the police and fire services were looking to work more closely.

He said the services already work together in training and campaigns.

The crime panel, which oversees the PCC, welcomed the proposals, which are in their early planning stages.

A PCC spokesman said talks would continue over the next few weeks.