The fire stations in Kent set to close

by Jess Banham

Eight fire stations are to close under sweeping reforms, it's been revealed.

But one threatened station, in Horton Kirby, has had a stay of execution: it will remain open until a replacement is built in nearby New Ash Green.

At a meeting of the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority today, it was decided to close the other seven stations by April.

Those axed will be part-time stations in Halling, St Margaret's at Cliffe, Sturry, Matfield, Queenborough, Rusthall and Seal.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said no firefighters will be forced to take compulsory redundancy.

Instead, it plans to redeploy them to neighbouring stations or offer "alternative flexible contracts".

The shake-up comes after KFRS was told to expect a major cut in the amount of money it receives from the government - thought to be in the region of £12 million over the next three years.

Firefighters are also said to be attending fewer fires and other emergencies, with a 25% drop in call-outs since 2005.

But the plans have outraged some residents and the Fire Brigades Union argued lives will be at risk if the stations close.

FBU Kent secretary Mark Simmons said: "Our argument is that seconds count. The quicker we can get to an incident, the better chance we have of achieving a successful outcome.

"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."

According to the union, response times could increase by up to four and a half minutes if the stations are shut.

Audio: Reporter Jess Banham speaks to Mark Simmons, Kent brigade secretary of the Kent Fire Bigades Union

But Ann Millington, KFRS chief executive, said "We have taken three years to do a review of all of our cover across Kent and what we are trying to do is get the best possible cover for all of the people of Kent.

"We inherited in 1947 all of the stations when the service was created. Many of those stations are in the wrong places for modern needs.

"We are building five new stations, but closing eight that are genuinely in the wrong area and with low activity.

"We are still able to cover all those areas where stations are closing."

The service plans to open new stations in New Ash Green, Herne Bay, Ramsgate and two in the Medway Towns.

Rapid response units, 4x4s and quad bikes could be used to respond to certain incidents in a bid to save money and improve emergency response times.

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