Congratulations to the Gazette for publishing the contrasting views on the future of the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service from James Gray MP and Coun Graham Payne last week.

Whilst it is clear that James Gray is opposed to any merger with Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, it is much less clear that he has any real understanding of the enormity of the financial shortfall that the Wiltshire service is facing. £700,000, or even £800,000, savings by Wiltshire Council taking over the back office role won’t make a dent in the £3.8 million that is required.

In contrast, Graham Payne’s case for the merger, with its savings from reduction in the duplication of senior ranks and support functions, makes economic and organisational sense. It should also be noted that all of the four other Wiltshire MPs are not opposed to the merger.

Yet, Jane Scott, Conservative leader of Wiltshire Council, and other top Conservative Wiltshire councillors, are at one with James Gray in not seeing the strong case for it. Now, apparently, they have been joined by Jon Hubbard, leader of the Lib Dems on Wiltshire Council, whereas a considerable number of his fellow Lib Dem councillors are declared supporters of the merger.

James Gray, Jane Scott and Jon Hubbard have all seen the figures produced by senior fire officers that amply illustrate that a merger is the only economically viable way forward. Therefore, one has to seriously question why they are so reluctant to see the obvious.

Jeff Osborn, Independent Wiltshire councillor, Chepston Place, Trowbridge.