Proposals to cut firefighter posts, remove fire engines and close stations in Kent have been rejected following a campaign by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and local community.
The union welcomed the decision, crediting firefighters and community campaigners with helping persuade the Fire Authority to reject the proposed changes.
Fire Authority rejects proposals
At a Fire Authority meeting, members voted 17 to two against the proposals.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service had originally proposed cutting 63 firefighter posts, removing six fire engines and earmarking five fire stations for closure.
The stations which had been threatened with closure were Chilham, Wye, Cliffe, Grain and Westerham.
The FBU said its campaign had helped protect firefighter jobs, keep fire stations open and ensure fire engines remained available.
FBU welcomes campaign result
The union described the outcome as a significant victory for its Kent campaign and the communities that opposed the proposed reductions.
Members of the union held a rally outside County Hall in Maidstone on August 4.
It said since 2010, Kent Fire and Rescue Service has lost 462 firefighter posts.
Community backing
FBU General Secretary Steve Wright said: “This is a stunning victory, and I want to congratulate Kent FBU and Kent firefighters for their strong fighting trade union spirit alongside the local community who have been very supportive of our campaign.
“Without our members forthright stand and organising impressive rallies over the last few months, we would not have forced this change.
“This whole episode shows that when working people stand together in unity against bosses plans to erode safety and cut jobs, we are unstoppable.
“Other employers within the fire and rescue service need to understand that wherever they attempt to undermine the safety of firefighters and attack our members livelihoods, the FBU will be there to stop them.”
