A parish council has ignited plans to buy the former village fire station.

Councillors representing Rusthall have started the process to purchase the base, which closed earlier this year.

The station was shut down by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) as part of a review into its operations.

As a result of the consultation, which was finalised in February, it was decided there was no need for a crew to be positioned in the village.

The area is now served by firefighters in Tunbridge Wells and Southborough.

Instead of letting the empty block go to waste, KFRS offered the parish a chance to buy it for £100,000, under the agreement it would only be used to benefit the community.

Chairman Jenny Blackburn (pictured below) said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a building for parish council and community use that is ideally situated between the two halves of Rusthall on Lower Green Road."

Councillors have proposed to pay the bill with £16,000 left aside from a government grant. They also plan to apply for funding from the Public Works Loan Board.

Among the suggestions for what the fire station should be transformed into, is a facility for youngsters managed by Kent County Council Youth Service.

It would feature a pool table, sports equipment, table tennis and film screenings.

Cllr Blackburn is hoping to set up a working party of councillors and villagers to decide the building’s fate.

Anyone interested in taking part should phone the chairman on 01892 546520.