FEARS over any negative impact from blue light services working closer together have been raised at the top.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said he hoped greater collaboration planned between police and fire brigades would not harm the integrity of those services.

After questioning a Home Office minister, Mr Drax said while he saw the “logic” in closer working he hoped it would not affect service provision in Dorset.

The MP suggested a “patchwork quilt” of services was emerging across the country as the 999 authorities team up in different ways to be more cost-effective, but “without any guidance and little funding”.

The move may be successful in one area but not in another, he claimed, adding: “It’s being left to each area to sort themselves out.”

Locally, Dorset Police are joining forces with Devon & Cornwall and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service has merged with Wiltshire brigade.

Mr Drax asked Policing and Fire Service minister Nick Hurd: “Can the minister reassure me and my constituents that, given that collaboration is potentially leading to a sort of patchwork quilt of service across the country, he will ensure that the integrity of services will be maintained?”

Mr Hurd replied: “Joint police and fire governance will improve accountability because there will be a single point of accountability, democratically elected. Secondly, in relation to the efficiency and integrity of fire services, I hope that he will welcome the introduction of independent inspection of fire services.”

Mr Drax said afterwards: “I am keen that this collaboration should be an improvement. The questions sought to clarify what exactly has been done to enhance the collaboration between the services. My main concern is that Dorset, which is already so poorly funded, should not lose out further.”

He added: “Change should only happen for the better, not for change's sake.”