News release text
Work has begun on the first new fire station to be built in the county for 25 years and there is still time to be part of the new team.
The new station at Ash-cum-Ridley in north Kent is one of five new stations to be built across the county over the next few years. It is part of a project to ensure Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) stations are in the right location to meet the modern day needs of the communities it serves.
Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority oversees the way KFRS is run. Its Chairman Bryan Cope said: “I am delighted to see the first stage of this important investment programme begin with this new fire station; we are laying the foundations to build a Service that is ready to meet the needs of the county for future years.”
Sean Bone-Knell, KFRS Assistant Director of Operations, said: “Following a countywide review of emergency cover, it was apparent that we needed to improve our emergency response in this area. Having looked at extensive data going back over several years, it is clear that the Ash-cum-Ridley area is ideally sited for a new on-call fire station. A Kent-based firm, Mansells, is to build the station and they will begin work in February 2013 with the aim of handing over the new station in September 2013.”
The new fire station will provide job opportunities for local people to become on-call firefighters and a number of local people are already going through the recruitment process. However KFRS is keen to hear from anyone living near to the station on Chapel Wood Road who would be interested in joining them. Details are on www.kentfirejobs.info
Note to newsdesks:
Artwork of the new fire station is available at our photo library www.kentfirephotos.co.uk
