Staffing levels and response times at Dartford and Swanley fire stations are to be reviewed in a move which could lead to closures or mergers.

Fire chiefs are set to examine bases in Dartford, Swanscombe, Horton Kirby, Swanley and neighbouring Thames-side as Kent Fire and Rescue Service attempts to find annual savings of £4m over the next four years.

Firefighters in Dartford meanwhile are being put on standby to attend incidents in London next week should a planned strike by firefighters in the capital go ahead on Bonfire Night.

For the full story see this week's Dartford Messenger, out now.