CANTERBURY could be left with the protection of just one city-based fire engine at night in the wake of a cost-cutting review of the service.

Fire chiefs are thought to be considering transferring an appliance to Ashford during the evening. The plan is among proposals aimed at 'modernising' the service, following the Bain Report.

But many local firefighters believe the city may not be adequately protected, particularly as this comes just weeks after a serious gas explosion involving several properties in the city's Tenterden Drive.

They are concerned that should there be another major fire like the City Arms in Butchery Lane in July, 2001, and the Old Locomotive in Station Road West the following year.

They plan to write to Canterbury MP Julian Brazier to enlist his support against the move.

The idea to transfer a Canterbury appliance has come about following a detailed study of demand across the districts. It is said to have revealed that Ashford has significantly more night-time call-outs and regularly relies on the back-up of a retained crew.

It is suggested that bosses believe that by moving the less-used Canterbury water tender to Ashford, they can save money on the cost of turning out the town's retained appliance.

Canterbury would then rely on the back-up of the retained crew at Sturry for its second appliance.