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Dear Editor,

Never have I written a letter with such a feeling of anger, frustration, and absolute shame at how Shepway District Council behaved tonight.

On a motion to fight to retain the fire fighting service for Folkestone and the whole of Shepway, the Conservatives scuppered the full council making a recommendation to the Fire Authority, not to cut Fire Services in Folkestone. They removed the chance that Shepway could have started work today warning local residents about the threat to their local fire services.

District Councillors are voted for by the council tax payers of this area to represent their feelings and wishes, and to safeguard their well-being.

As discussed through the debate, this was one of the most powerful motions put before this council, as it affected the safety of every resident within Shepway, within their own homes.

The fire authority, want to cut one fully manned Fire Engine in the form of a water pump, and, a turntable extendable ladder, which means nobody above the fourth floor can be reached, until a ladder arrives from outside our area, at least 20 minutes away. 24 full time firefighters, nearly half the current total, will be made redundant or redeployed elsewhere in Kent.

How dare the Conservatives mess around with party politics, when something so important as community safety is at stake. How dare they not make a stand, and not make a decision. How dare they defer it to a committee, delaying any Council action by up to a month?

Where are the Conservative councillors who are prepared to make decisions? Where are these supposed leaders who hide behind each other and call it politics?

The safety of all Shepway residents is paramount, and the Liberal Democrats will fight - immediately, now - to retain all fire services in Folkestone.

Lynne Beaumont

Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Shepway District Council