PLANS to create a new combined fire authority have been given the go-ahead – despite concerns.

Councillors and fire chiefs unanimously voted in favour of the plans, which will see the authorities of Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight brought together as one.

Bosses say this will be of greater benefit than operating separately as they will be able to share resources, and keep communities safer.

This will also mean that the 11 stations on the island will get £3 million-worth of upgrades, bringing them inline with mainline standards.

However, issues were raised during the 12-week consultation process – of which only 311 people across the two counties responded.

As part of a paper written for the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority meeting on January 24, it was revealed that 75 per cent of island respondents, as well as 66 per cent of island-based town and parish councils, were worried about the impact on the local area, with loss of control, accountability, and assessing IOW needs as some of issues raised.

Paying more tax to support services in other areas was another concern tabled by island residents – as they will have to pay an extra £3.74 per year (Band D). This will bring tax levels inline with the mainland in a bid to bridge a £460,000 funding gap that will come as part of the combination.

Other cash, fire bosses say, will be gained from combining assets, which will reduce unnecessary spending, as the council tax rise will only generate around £200,000.

Nevertheless, in total, 53% per cent of total respondents supported the idea.

Chief fire officer, Neil Odin, said: “We have absolutely listened to those views, however small the numbers, to make sure we have not missed anything in our proposed business case.

“We found that across the piece though, in total numbers – albeit low and therefore statistically challenging, 53% of people were in favour and a large proportion of staff across the two services were also in favour.

“Unions have also written and supported us with their views.”

The proposals will now be sent to Westminster for ministerial approval.

Councillor Tig Outlaw, Isle of Wight public protection chief, said:”I have assured the IOW community that the way I see it, it would not be about one voice amongst 11, it would be about 11 voices taking about the community safety of all the communities within the boundary; so I will be as concerned about community safety in Basingstoke as I will be in Sandown.

“We are fully committed to this. It’s my belief that a combination would bring operational benefits to both services either side of the water, and will help the resilience and performance of both services.”