The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority is holding public consultations in the City of London, Tower Hamlets and Newham next week to discuss proposals to close 12 fire stations, including Bow and Silvertown fire stations. Local London Assembly Member John Biggs is urging residents to attend to discuss the closures and plans to cut 18 fire engines, including one from Whitechapel and axe 520 firefighters.
The public meetings taking place next week all start at 7pm:
7 May at Skeel Lecture Theatre, Queen Mary, University of London
8 May at Newham Town Hall
9 May at The Main Hall at St Albans, Holborn
The Draft Fifth London Safety Plan was launched at the beginning of March. Residents can also contribute to the consultation through the Fire Authority website, where more details are available: http://london-fire.gov.uk/lsp5.
Local Labour London Assembly Member John Biggs said:
“It is vital that residents take part in this consultation about the proposal to close 12 fire stations, including Bow in Tower Hamlets and Silvertown in Newham. We need to make sure that residents have their say. We believe that the Mayor is cutting too far, too fast and is hitting the frontline.
“We are deeply concerned that the cuts will jeopardise the safety and security of Londoners, all for the dubious benefit of a penny a day off the Council Tax. But we want to hear from Londoners about their views during this consultation and what they think. I strongly urge residents to attend their local meeting and I look forward to seeing them there. Alternatively they can submit their views online.”
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