A WARNING has gone out that cuts to fire services will increase the risk to human life.

The Integrated Risk Management Plan was passed by the Kent Fire Authority, meaning one full-time pump will be taken away from Folkestone, with the loss of four shifts - which equates to 24 jobs - and the height vehicle will also be taken away.

This equates to a countywide reduction in height vehicles from seven to four.

It stems from the Government's insistence that Kent Fire and Rescue saves £6million over three years. Both firefighters and Folkestone politicians have said the proposals are an acceptance that more people will get hurt.

Fire Brigade Union rep Harry Sawyer said: "Kent will have the worst height vehicle coverage of the surrounding brigades.

"Removing the pump at Folkestone will not improve safety, and it will not achieve the aim of the review."

Cllr Andrew Stamp said: "While many of the risks highlighted in the consultation were subjective, such as the flood risk and the expansion of Lydd Airport, we cannot ignore the risk to human life and there is no doubt this will increase that risk."

With regard to Shepway, firefighters from the area have never agreed on the figures used in the plan and this was highlighted to the meeting.

Cllr Lynne Beaumont, leader of Shepway Liberal Democrats, has campaigned against the plans. She said: "There are alternatives to this and there are different ways of cutting back without cutting front-line services."