Camborne’s MP has described the results of yesterday’s report into Cornwall’s fire service as “disappointing.”

Yesterday the Audit Commission, a government watchdog, published a report that rated the service as “poor.”

This is lower than the rating given in 2005, which was “fair.”

Kevin Lavery, the Cornwall county council chief executive, has been reported as saying that the council had expected a critical report, but that the appointment of interim chief fire officer Terry Standing – following the retirement of previous chief Matt Litmoden – had been a “positive step” in working with the Audit Commission.

Today, Julia Goldsworthy, MP for Falmouth and Camborne, said: “The findings of the Audit Commission report are very disappointing. It's clear that improvements need to be made to management, and it's welcome that action in this area has already started, with the appointment of interim chief fire officer Terry Standing.

“It's vital that the management needs to be got right, and although this process has already started, this should be a key priority for the unitary authority.

“I've seen first hand the excellent work of Cornwall's fire services on the front line. While there are important challenges that the Fire Authority's management must demonstrate they can meet, it's important that today's report is not seen as a poor reflection on the vital work that our fire fighters do every day to protect our communities.”

All five Cornish MPs have requested an urgent meeting with Mr Standing to discuss the report and to ask him to outline what improvements planned to make.