Hunt is on for a new home

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HERNE Bay is set to get a new fire station, after the town emerged as one of the winners in a major shakeup by Kent Fire and Rescue.

Fire bosses have confirmed they are preparing to close eight stations across Kent – but will open four new ones, including one at a mystery location in Herne Bay.

Both Altira Business Park and the Post Office delivery centre on Eddington Lane have been touted as possible replacements for the High Street fire station.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority approved proposals to redesign Kent Fire and Rescue Service to meet the challenges of the 21st century and ensure stations and equipment are in the right locations to deal with emergencies across the county.

"As part of these plans five new stations will be opened, one of which will be in Herne Bay. Work to identify a suitable site for the new station, as well as the development of specific design requirements, will start later this year."

Town manager Chris West said: "I haven't been told where the new station might be, but it seems likely it would be near the Thanet Way.

"Both Altira Business Park and the delivery office on Eddington Lane could be possible sites with good access available."

The delivery office is set to shut next year.

The decision to build a new fire station while closing others came after KFRS was told its government funding was set to be slashed by an estimated £12 million over the next three years due to cuts.