Seven fire stations to close
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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.
What do you think? Join the debate below.
Tuesday, February 14 2012
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