A number of responses to the consultation into the future governance of the fire service could be redacted, as their content is likely to be libellous.
This is the claim of the chief executive of the office of the police and crime commissioner (OPCC), as Lorne Green's team begin assessing the feedback received.
A consultation into whether the PCC should take over running the fire service closed earlier this month, with thousands of responses received.
However, some of these will not be considered, due to claimed abusive nature.
Speaking at the county's police and crime panel, OPPC chief executive Mark Stokes said: 'The consultation received an over-whelming response.
'If some responses are found to be either libellous or abusive, they will be redacted.'
Meanwhile, when questioned by councillor Mike Smith-Clare on whether a majority of views in favour of the service remaining as it is would sway his decision, Mr Green said his decision would be 'led by evidence', rather than opinion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here