POLICE and fire services across the region are continuing to work more closely together to save money and honour a signed ‘Statement of Intent’.

The services in County Durham and Darlington made a pledge in December to improve their joint working and are looking at how this can be achieved through sharing IT, back office and training facilities.

In addition, the control rooms will now serve as back-up for each other in the event of a significant disruptive event such as a natural disaster.

Ron Hogg, Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, said: “This latest development really embeds our shared vision to continue to work more closely together.

“Not only will this reduce some duplication and achieve cost savings to both organisations, but it will also ensure joint working is at the forefront of decision making, for areas such as training, IT and our estates.”

Chair of County Durham and Darlington Combined Fire Authority, Councillor Michele Hodgson added: “There is a very constructive relationship between the fire and rescue service and police in this area; we already work very closely operationally, in training, on special projects and by sharing facilities and expertise.

“This gives us a strong base to build on as we consider further collaboration.”

The police and fire services already work well together operationally, and share estates and facilities such as a joint station at Newton Aycliffe and training centre at Bowburn.

Business cases giving more details about future proposals will be considered by the Durham and Darlington Fire/Police Joint Strategic Board in July.