BOROUGH Green will be a safer place once proposed changes to the fire service come in, it was claimed this week.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service plan to shut stations at nearby Seal and at Horton Kirby.

But it will open a new site at New Ash Green and the station in Western Road, Borough Green will have improved attendance.

Currently at 80 per cent, attendance – meaning the amount of time the station is manned by four firefighters and an engine – will be even better.

"People often think having a fire station in your village means that it is automatically covered," said Martin Adams, from Kent Fire and Rescue.

"But their services are called on all over the county and many are not properly attended. These changes are currently only proposals. But they have not been imposed on us by Kent County Council.

"We've looked at the figures and current resources and our aim will always be to save more lives."

According to KFRS, the Seal facility only has adequate attendance 20 per cent of the time. Borough Green has 80 per cent, which they believe will rise as a result of the plans.

But some members at Borough Green parish council on Monday were opposed to a move they regard as another example of service cutbacks.

Cllr Steve Perry said: "It's difficult to see the closure of any key facility in the area as a useful thing."

The KFRS consultation period on proposed changes closed on January 16 and a decision will be made on Wednesday by Kent County Council.