PLANS for the merger of Hereford and Worcester and Warwickshire fire services could move a step closer. The merger has been recommended by a joint review group made up of councillors and officers from both fire services. On Monday, Hereford and Worcester fire and rescue authority discussed their service and meetings were also held by Warwickshire County Council. Paul Hayden, chief fire officer of Hereford and Worcester, stressed any merger would bring an improvement to the service and was “not about closing fire stations or cutting front line services.” Peter Hope, of the Fire Brigade Union, said he understood the fears this was the first step towards a joint fire brigade “through the back door” but nothing was “cast in stone.”