News

Twenty four full-time firefighters in Shepway are to be lost under Kent Fire Service’s new risk management plan which was passed today (February 20),  by 14 votes to one.

Folkestone will also lose its second full-time engine and turntable ladder under the shake up.

Shepway Liberal Democrat Council Leader Lynne Beaumont said: "This decision is a disgrace, and will harm our fire services not just in Folkestone but across Shepway.

"The case for these cuts that has been presented to the public is incomplete and flawed. Even the Fire authority's own figures showed there is a big increase in the chance of road accident fatalities as a result of the cuts.

"Operation Stack in conjunction with a major emergency in Folkestone would currently leave the area without external backup. Until Operation Stack as an infrastructure issue is dealt with, this is a dangerous gamble with lives."