The unique geography and situation of St Margaret's were highlighted by speakers at a public meeting focused on saving the community's fire station.

About 200 people packed the village hall when Parish Council chairman Brenda Paul summarised the case to keep the village station open. It is one of eight across Kent earmarked for closure.

She highlighted the fact that 1,000 signatures had been collected in just two weeks and that more than 1,100 people had pledged their support to the campaign on Facebook. She urged KFRS to reconsider their options.

Cllr Paul added: "There is huge anxiety that KFRS will not be able to guarantee 24-hour cover for emergencies. Arrival times for a fire engine will take longer."

Increased attendance times of as much as four-and-a-half minutes was a main concern of the FBU.

FBU Kent secretary Mark Simmons said it was "very concerning".

He added: "The fire service motto is 'seconds count'. Any increase to response times would have an impact.

"Fires develop very quickly, and it's important we get there as soon as possible. Fighting fires is dangerous in any circumstances, but tackling a fire that has been left longer to develop creates added risks to firefighters as well as increasing the possibility of fatalities or serious casualties."

www.kent.fire-uk.orgCampaigners would be putting together their response to the Integrated Risk Management Plan by January 16. It can be seen at

* For full story buy the East Kent Mercury or Dover Mercury, November 24.