RESIDENTS in York have been urged to have their say on plans by North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner to take over the running of the region’s fire service.

Julia Mulligan’s plans to have overall control of the service have already been opposed by North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council’s scrutiny and executive committees - which would rather see Mrs Mulligan sit as the 17th member of the fire authority, a move also recommended by the fire service. Her plan has been backed by the Fire Brigade Union, and the public can have their say until September 22.

Cllr Danny Myers, leader of Labour group on the fire authority, said: “The Labour Group reject the governance model put forward by the police and crime commissioner, but it should come as no surprise that we welcome some of the points made in the PCC’s business case such as revisiting front line fire cover.

“Whatever the outcome of future governance options, it is absolutely crucial for fire cover in York that we see an urgent change in direction on these key issues.” Have your say at telljulia.com.