Fire stations earmarked for Salfords and Burgh Heath

Two new fire stations are to open in Surrey to increase emergency cover in the east of the county.

They will be at Salfords and Burgh Heath, creating a chain of fire stations stretching from Epsom to the outskirts of Horley.

The new network was drawn up following the decision by West Sussex Fire and Rescue to remove its fire engine from the station in Horley.

A consultation for residents to have their say on the plan starts on Monday.

Surrey County Council, which performs the role of the fire authority, said the changes would see one of the two fire engines currently based at Epsom moved to Burgh Heath and one of Reigate's two appliances switched to Salfords.

Until the proposed new Salfords station opens, the fire service will operate from a temporary base nearby.

Kay Hammond, the cabinet member for community services, said: "By investing in these stations, we would be investing in people's safety."