A Dover district fire station at St Margaret's is included in a list of eight village stations in the county which are set to close under plans to streamline Kent's fire service.

The plans come after a three-year review by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KF&RS).

The Fire Brigades Union claimed closures would increase response times.

KF&RS said it was redesigning its operations to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

The stations affected include St Margaret's and Sturry in East Kent, Halling, Horton Kirby, Matfield, Queenborough, Rusthall and Seal.

Hythe will be losing its second engine.

Two new stations are to be built in New Ash Green and Herne Bay as well as three already planned for Ramsgate and the Medway towns.

The proposals will go out for public consultation until 16 January with Kent and Medway Fire Authority making the final decision in February.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©