Plans to close four Kent fire stations rejected
Fire Brigades UnionPlans to close four Kent fire stations and cut more than 60 jobs have been halted after the proposals were rejected at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday.
Alongside the mooted closures, Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) had also proposed removing on-call fire engines from four stations.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) hailed a "stunning victory", while KFRS' chief executive Ann Millington reflected on a "disappointing" outcome.
She said: "There isn't an alternative proposal to address the need for more day-time cover, but it does not affect our ongoing commitment to protect the public and to be there when they need our help."
The Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority (KMFRA) rejected the chance to send the proposed station closures to public consultation, effectively saving them, alongside 63 jobs.
According to the FBU, which organised a demonstration in Maidstone on Tuesday, the vote was 17-2.
On-call stations at Wye, Chilham, Westerham and Cliffe remained at risk after Grain - initially included in the proposals - was removed from the list. Now all will remain open.
Plans to remove on-call fire engines from stations in Herne Bay, Deal, Faversham and Tunbridge Wells will also not proceed.
'Data and evidence'
FBU general secretary, Steve Wright, said: "Without our members forthright stand and organising impressive rallies over the last few months, we would not have forced this change.
"This whole episode shows that when working people stand together in unity against bosses plans to erode safety and cut jobs, we are unstoppable."
Millington said KFRS "would never propose to close a fire station without valid reasons or thorough consideration".
She added: "Our proposals were based on comprehensive data and evidence, with an aim to improve availability and efficiency, strengthening daytime cover, while easing financial pressures."
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