The questionnaire is to be delivered to every home in Kenilworth, following an announcement made this week by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service to potentially close seven stations across Warwickshire - Kenilworth is one of them.

Mr Wright claims the document is "not fit for purpose" and is urging people to write and send off their own views instead of or as well as filling in the document.

He said: "I have a number of concerns about the document. We are not being asked whether decreasing the level of cover in these places will have an effect, we are not being asked the questions we want to answer

"I struggle to see how anyone can say anything other than I am very pleased by this or I strongly agree with this.

"We have to be careful not to fall into a trap if you stick to their rubric.

"This document does not give people the opportunity to comment specifically on the closure of Kenilworth Fire Station.

"The only way we are going to win this argument is if we can make an argument for Kenilworth that is specific. Kenilworth station must be mounted on its own basis."

The Mayoress of Kenilworth, Erica Davies, who has launched a petition against the plans, added the document was "patronising".

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She said: "It asks questions in such a way that I suspect it might inevitably provide the answers which the authority probably wants to hear.

"If people agree about that then they will understand why I want to put forward a direct, no nonsense petition to the council."

The petition will be available in the shops and will also be carried by volunteers.

Cllr Alan Cockburn says that in his eight years as a councillor and many years as a resident of the town, this issue is "one of the biggest he has ever seen".

He said: "With the safety of the residents of Warwick District and that of our firefighters being our top priority we accept the advice of the Warwickshire Chief Fire Officer that for the continued improvement of the fire service a full review is required.

"We also accept that in the light of the large growth in population and housing over the last few years a review is long overdue. We would be failing in our duty were we to dismiss recommendations for improvement.

"However, we have serious concerns with the proposals for the fire stations in Kenilworth and Warwick and the plan to provide fire cover for the whole district from the present fire station in Leamington Spa. It is important that our residents are both safe and that they feel safe.

"We strongly oppose any closure of any fire station in Warwick District before the full strategic picture is understood. We will ensure an effective and genuine consultation takes place with all stakeholders, including our firefighters, to reach the safest conclusion possible."

A public meeting has been scheduled for October and a confirmed venue, time and date is yet to be announced.

Residents can access information on-line at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue and if residents have any concerns about the consultation or questions they can e-mail fireandrescue@warwickshire.gov.uk