Battersea may have reduced fire cover after proposals to move its specialist fire rescue unit were revealed by the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA).
The unit, currently one of five in the capital, was introduced in Battersea four years ago after the station lost its second fire engine.
If the plans - contained in the LFEPA's Best Value Review panel report - are approved, Battersea's nearest rescue unit would be based in Twickenham or Croydon.
The five-man fire rescue units carry a wide variety of specialist equipment from heavy lifting gear to winching, cutting and pulling tools.
They also carry a snake eye camera which is used by doctors to examine the injuries of people trapped in small spaces.
Wandsworth Council's deputy leader, Coun Maurice Heaster, who also sits on the LFEPA, said: "I personally have some reservations that this may delay engines coming."
An LFEPA spokesman said: "The plans will achieve a 15-minute response time for the specialist units to high-risk areas of the capital.
"Existing fire cover from local stations will be unaffected by these proposals."
The LFEPA will debate the proposals on Thursday, July 25.
July 12, 2002 10:00
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