A public meeting on the consultation to remove a fire engine from Epsom was attended by just three residents on Valentine’s Day.

The meeting, held by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) at Bourne Hall, was organised after it extended the closing date of the consultation to reconfigure fire services across Epsom and Ewell, and Reigate and Banstead to March 4 – which would see one fire engine relocated from Epsom to Burgh Heath by 2014.

Epsom councillor Jan Mason, who attended the meeting with Councillor Nigel Pavey, said the turnout was “very disappointing” and questioned how well-publicised it had been.

She said: “I know it was Valentine’s night and I don’t know whether the time lapse between publicising the meeting and holding it was too short.

“There were only 50 spaces for the public that had to be reserved in advance so maybe people were put off and thought there would be no room.

Coun Mason said SFRS gave a “very full presentation” and took on board the public’s views and questions, but believes the views of three residents are “not representative”.

She added: “I don’t know what SFRS is going to make of this because you can’t gauge the full picture from three people, it’s not representative. Can we hold another meeting?”

A SFRS spokesman said: “We’ve been asking Surrey residents for their opinions on plans to open two new fire stations.

"The public meeting at Bourne Hall was only one part of the consultation that has had more than 300 responses.

“We’re still encouraging people to give us their opinions before March 4 by emailing psp@surreycc.gov.uk or calling 03456 009009.”