Ding dong

In 1996 Kent County Council was controlled by a Liberal Democrat/Labour coalition and Tunbridge Wells by the Liberal Democrats.  As part of a budget reduction it was proposed that the Rusthall Fire Station (one pump manned by retained firemen) should close and it was stated there would be adequate cover from Tunbridge Wells.

Cue local outrage: petitions, public meetings, press articles.  Leading protesters included the Conservative county councillor for the area and a number of Rusthall residents.

Fast forward to the present and it is proposed again to close Rusthall Fire Station. Now, the Conservatives control KCC and Tunbridge Wells.  This time there is hardly a murmur of protest, indeed it is even being suggested that closure would be beneficial as Tunbridge Wells station has fire-fighters on the premises, whereas Rusthall fire-fighters have to travel to the station when called to action.

It seems to me that there has been little change in circumstances between 1996 and 2011, except that roads are busier and more congested in Tunbridge Wells, so why is it that the those expressing vociferous opposition in 1996 are now either silent or in favour of closure?