Downham, New Cross and Woolwich fire stations 'earmarked for closure' (From News Shopper)
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Downham, New Cross and Woolwich fire stations 'earmarked for closure'
11:41am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Mark Chandler
Downham, New Cross and Woolwich fire stations 'earmarked for closure'
DOWNHAM, New Cross and Woolwich fire stations have all been earmarked for closure according to a leaked document
The buildings are just three of 17 which could shut, costing around 600 jobs, according to the London Fire Brigade Union (FBU).
It comes as the brigade has been asked by Mayor of London Boris Johnson to save £64.8m over the next two years.
All the capital's firefighters have also been asked to consider accepting redundancy.
FBU regional secretary Paul Embery said: "These proposals present the biggest threat to the London Fire Brigade since the days of the Luftwaffe and would lead to the decimation of fire cover in London.
"The stations under threat of closure have stood proudly for generations, protecting local residents from bombs, fire and terrorism, yet Boris Johnson is about to hammer a ‘For Sale’ sign on to their front doors.
"Such a huge cut cannot be made without there being an impact on public safety, and we call on Londoners to join with us in defending our fire service.
He added: "The London Fire Brigade is a proud organisation with a fine history. But it is now facing possibly its greatest challenge.
"Its leaders must do the right thing and tell the politicians these cuts are wrong and dangerous. If they don’t do it, the FBU will."
The closures are expected to go before a meeting of the London fire authority on November 22, the union said.
A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: “Like virtually every other public service, the brigade is facing the need to make savings.
"There is a target for these savings but the full details will not be known until at least December, when the government announces its grant to the brigade.
“We expect to be able to maintain our current target response times. No decisions about any possible fire station closures have yet been taken.
" Before they are, there will be a full public consultation.”
- News Shopper is awaiting a response from the Mayor's Office.
Comments(5)
goldenbroomboy
says...
4:34pm Thu 18 Oct 12
Outandabout wrote:The local politician was James "Not So" Cleverley.
In a recent NS article a politician said all will be fine because the 6 minute attendance time will still remain. No it won't. If Woolwich town centre or near it has a fire the appliance will have to come from Plumstead and 'East Greenwich' on the lower road. What idiot ever thought like this: 'Fire deaths are reducing so lets cut fire cover'. The deaths are reducing BECAUSE we have this level of fire cover. No matter, at least everyone still thinks Boris is a likeable loveable rascal rather than the consummate Tory that he is.
treesrgreen
says...
5:28pm Thu 18 Oct 12
Born_In_Bomley
says...
3:53pm Fri 19 Oct 12
treesrgreen wrote:I think you'll find they are trying to close Westmister fire station down actually.
I bet the nearest fire station to Houses of Parliament and Downing Street isn't being closed???
mikey_w_999
says...
6:05pm Mon 12 Nov 12
With regards to the Fire Brigade its all very well saying attendance times wont be cut 6-8 minutes but when someones young childs life is in question you want them to be there ASAP as seconds make the difference. 6-8 minutes might be to long or late.
I was soo shocked to hear the potential closure of woolwich fire station. In a newly Royal borough with such high residential and high rise buildings. A majorly important hospital of Queen Elizabeth. The Army barracks. Thames barrier, two over ground rail stations and DLR station. So clearly a very important station.
All should show there support!
Outandabout says...
3:34pm Thu 18 Oct 12