Campaigners fighting to prevent a village fire station from closure have won the backing of Dartford council.

The council formally objected to Kent Fire and Rescue's (KFRS) plans to close the Horton Kirby station at a Cabinet meeting last night.

Councillors said there was 'no justification' to close the 100-year-old station which serves Horton Kirby, Sutton-At-Hone, Farningham and other surrounding villages.

The station was one of eight earmarked for closure with plans for a new station in New Ash Green.

The plans have outraged local residents and parish councils who feel their lives would be at risk if the station were to close.

A consultation into the proposals ends on Monday, January 16 with a decision to be made in February.

Council leader Jeremy Kite said a letter of objection would be sent to KFRS in the next few days.

He said he found the proposals 'astonishing.'

Deputy leader Tony Martin, who represents Sutton-at-Hone, also criticised the proposals.

He said: "It does not seem to feel like a consultation, they have gone out of their way it make it really difficult to get people's views heard."

To see the proposals visit the Kent Fire and Rescue website at www.kent.fire-uk.org.