A consultation which will help shape the future shape and role of the fire service in Essex came to a close this morning.

Over the last 12 weeks the Service has received responses from thousands of people as it asked residents, councils and other organisations to share their views and opinions on three options for change currently under consideration.

The results of this consultation will now be analysed and the results will be presented to the Essex Fire Authority in June as they decide how the Service will change as it reacts to challenges of the future including an increase in the amount of prevention and protection work it carries out as incidents continue to decline along with challenge of remaining financially sustainable as reductions in funding continue every year until 2020.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Adam Eckley said: “The number of responses we have had to this consultation has been nothing short of fantastic. It is great to see the people of Essex making their voices and opinions about the future of their fire service heard as we prepare for the future.

“Now work will begin to analyse the results before they are presented to the Essex Fire Authority for a decision in June.”