by Martin Jefferies

Plans to cut the number of fire engines on Thanet have been labelled “deeply concerning” by a firefighers’ union.

Thanet fire station at Westwood is earmarked for closure as early as April 2011, with the loss of one appliance.
Firefighters would be redeployed elsewhere in the county.

Specialist vehicles would be moved from Westwood to a new fire station in Ramsgate, which would replace the existing 100-year-old building in the town centre.

Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority has said the changes will guarantee that four fire engines - a full-time and a part-time appliance in both Ramsgate and Margate - would be available at all times, compared to three at present.

But Steve Scott, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) representative at Thanet fire station, said: “The public need to be aware that these proposals could seriously compromise the standard of front line services.

“Firefighters in Thanet cannot understand what is driving the proposed change. We were recently recognised as one of only two services within the country to attain an excellent rating, so the need for change is baffling.”

Jenny Impey, chairman of Kent FBU, added: “Our members are alarmed at these proposals and are deeply concerned that the residents of Thanet may be left vulnerable due to its unique peninsular location.

“Strategically, it does not make sense to reduce fire cover in the area.”
Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority says the proposals will ensure that “cover is nearest levels of highest risk”.

“It is thought [that this is] the most appropriate level of emergency provision for the risk and demand in Thanet,” its integrated risk management plan (IRMP) states.

Meanwhile, community safety activity would be increased in high risk areas in Thanet, including parts of Westgate-on-Sea and Broadstairs which have a high proportion of elderly residents.

The fire engine at Westgate-on-Sea would remain and would be manned 24 hours a day.

The proposals are detailed in full in Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority’s IRMP, which is available online at www.kent.fire-uk.org or by calling 01843 692121.
Local people have been urged to comment on the plans and must do so before Monday, January 17, 2011.