Senior fire and police staff said a new plan to merge their two control rooms would save money and improve services. The Tayside area’s chief fire officer, Stephen Hunter, said it was one of several options being discussed, including sharing fleet maintenance, in the light of expected funding shortfalls. He added: “Over the coming months a detailed feasibility study will be undertaken to enable the fire and police boards to evaluate the options and reach the necessary decisions once clarification is received regarding future levels of funding.”