THE cost of fire services for north Kent residents will be frozen for the third year running.

Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority (KMFRA) agreed on February 13 to freeze its portion of council tax meaning average band D property owners will pay just over £1.30 per week towards fire services.

KMFRA chairman Bryan Cope said: "We have been working hard to make efficiency savings that not only mean we can again freeze council tax but also make investments in our frontline services.

"Public safety is always paramount of us but by modernising and making the necessary changes, we can provide an effective service at a good price.

"Delivering a round-the-clock, 365 days a year service dealing with fires and a huge range of other emergencies for just £1.30 a week per household – less than a litre of petrol – is remarkable value by anyone’s standards."

At the same meeting the authority agreed an annual safety plan following a public consultation.