WHEN police commissioner Julia Mulligan suggested merging North Yorkshire police and fire as one body to oversee 999 calls, it was a tempting proposition. Saving millions of pounds on back room operations surely makes sense, but with two disparate bodies? Perhaps not.

Now we reveal an idea to merge North Yorkshire Fire Service with Humberside’s. Not only would it save money, there is the sharing of expertise and resources in identical professions.

Efficiencies are important, but not at the expense of public safety. As far as we can see, this alternative deal might be the better option.