The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority is today launching its public consultation on its Draft Fifth London Safety Plan. The plan includes proposal to close Bow fire station in Tower Hamlets, Silvertown in Newham and 10 other stations, axe 18 fire engines including one from Whitechapel and lose 520 firefighters.
The corporate view of the Fire Authority is that, while it has recorded its opposition to station closures, appliance and staff reductions, it is consulting fairly on the draft LSP5 proposals which are subject to the Mayor of London’s direction and will take into account responses to the consultation before making a final decision.
Local Labour London Assembly Member John Biggs said:
"It is vital that residents take part in this consultation about proposals to close Bow fire station in Tower Hamlets and Silvertown in Newham and make sure that their voice is heard. 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.”
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