THE public is being invited to have their say on a shake-up of how the county's fire service is run.

This is the message from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority (HFRA), which is considering the creation of a new combined fire authority for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.

After this2-week consultation process the views will go back to HFRA and Isle of Wight Council for consideration on whether or not to submit an application to government to form a new combined authority as the final decision will rest with the home secretary.

Hampshire's fire authority gave the green light to proceed with the consultation on June 13, with the Island's Cabinet agreeing to the plans the following day.

The new body would bring together the authorities of Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Portsmouth.

Councillor Chris Carter, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority chairman, said: “This presents an opportunity to create a new arrangement, with potential to deliver significant operational benefits, greater resilience for both services and also help keep our communities even safer.

"The strategic partnership agreed between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in 2015 has already brought many benefits to both services, as well as delivering better value for taxpayers. This proposal has the potential to bring us even closer together.”

The deadline for responses is October 26.

A response form is available online at hantsfire.gov.uk/consultation or email hfrsconsultation@hantsfire.gov.uk to receive the form.

Alternatively paper copies of the response form are available by calling 023 8062 6815.

A final decision on the plans is expected in January 2019.