I was extremely concerned when I first learned of the proposal to close Westerham Fire Station, and having met both local firefighters and the Chief Executive of Kent Fire and Rescue Service, I remained unconvinced that a sufficiently strong case had been made to justify losing such an important local emergency service.
That is why I wrote to the Chairman of the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority, urging members not to press ahead with the proposal for public consultation.
I am very pleased that the Authority has listened to resident concerns and has now decided to pause the process for six weeks to allow for alternative options to be explored.
I will continue to make the case that our community needs to know that emergency response times and public safety will not be compromised. Westerham’s firefighters provide a vital local service, and every effort should be made to retain the station.
To be fair to the Kent Fire and Rescue Service, our small stations were not put at risk because they do not value their contribution. It is sadly another example of their hand being forced by a change in the way this government allocates funding. Labour prioritises deprivation above all other metrics of need, which means that extra cash overwhelmingly tends to flow to inner-city and disadvantaged areas. Importantly for us here in Sevenoaks, this government places no weight on the increased operational costs that come with serving rural areas.
In stark contrast, a big thank you to Kent County Councillor Nigel Williams for the support he has given to the campaign to keep Westerham Fire Station open. I will continue working with him and others over the coming weeks to secure the best possible outcome for local residents.
