Graeme Smith takes over the role of Chief Fire Officer from Paul Fuller, who has been leading the service on a temporary contract since February.

Mr Smith said: "I recognise that there are lots of challenges, but the things Paul Fuller has talked about putting in place are the right things to do.

"We need to try to find the best way to do them."

Mr Smith, who was previously temporary Chief Fire Officer for Bedfordshire and Luton, hopes to develop Warwickshire's service so that firefighters and staff become "leaders in the community" in other ways than just responding to fires.

He said: "We can be role models for young people and we should be able to deal with floods.

"Obviously the consultation meetings have been very emotive, but there have also been some good points coming through which we are seriously considering.

"We are putting a lot of energy into collecting people's views."

But questions have been raised over the timing of the handover.

Dave Whatton, executive council member for the West Midlands branch of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "Paul Fuller has left the new chief with a poisoned chalice.

"We knew that he was only going to be the temporary chief, but it's almost like he has cut and run.

"I hope Graeme Smith does the sensible thing and shelves this plan."

Cubbington parish councillor David Saul said he had spoken to a Warwickshire firefighter who has accused Mr Fuller of being a "hatchet man".

Cllr Saul said: "Those were not my words but I concur with them.

"Isn't it a coincidence he is leaving now?"

Mr Smith began his career as a firefighter at Cleveland County Fire Brigade in 1983 and has since worked for Her Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate in London.

In 2003 he was appointed Assistant Chief Fire Officer in Bedfordshire and Luton, followed by a promotion to Deputy Chief Fire Officer two years later.