The Police and Crime Commissioner’s attempt to take over emergency services in the county will not go ahead.

This comes amidst a new deal between Hertfordshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner, agreeing to instead let emergency services work closer together.

After the PCC proposed to take control of the fire services, Hertfordshire's community safety and waste panel blocked the move by voting unanimously to oppose the proposal in July.

This new agreement, scraps previous plans to change the fire service’s owners, leaving it in the hands of the county council.

The new deal signed by both the county council and PCC instead agrees to establish an emergency services collaboration board and at a later date set up a joint control room and training facility.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd said: “There are clear benefits to both police and fire service have a strong working relationship and this agreement between the two governing bodies will allow existing progress to accelerate.

“While we would have liked a speedier resolution to the process, I believe this constructive step forward with the council will bring about significant improvements to the way our emergency services work together.”

David Williams, the Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “I welcome this agreement between the emergency services.

“This decision provides clarity for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service so that we can continue to enhance practical, blue light collaboration.

“We remain committed to seeking opportunities to improve the Fire and Rescue Service’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”

In July, Watford Borough Council joined the county council to oppose the PCC’s proposals.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “This is the right decision.

“This would be a retrograde step and would threaten proper democratic oversight of the Fire Service.

“The Police and Crime Commissioner was not elected to run our fire service.

“I’m glad that the government have agreed with us, other Hertfordshire councils of all political colours and with Liberal Democrat councillors at County Hall and put a halt to this process.”

Labour county councillor Nigel Bell said "sense has prevailed" and has welcomed the decision.