A new public consultation on how London Fire Brigade can save £6.4 million has been launched.

Starting on Monday (December 7), the consultation process, which lasts until February 2016, asks locals their views on two options for saving money.

A total of 13 fire stations across London had one or even two of their fire engines removed in August 2013, including Chelsea, Ealing and Willesden fire stations.

London Fire Brigade are now asking on whether or not they should be permanently removed or welcomed back.

The first option recommends putting 13 fire engines back into service, but makes the savings by having alternate crewing at fire stations.

According to LFB, this option would see two fire rescue units, five aerial appliances and two operational support units being alternately crewed and is backed by the majority of members of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority.

The second option, which is recommended by the LFB Commissioner, proposes the permanent removal of the 13 fire engines, putting the savings into increasing staff numbers to crew rescue units.

The proposals are now subject to a public consultation lasting eight weeks in order to collect the views of Londoners.

Four public meetings will be held across London and for the first time the Brigade will organise online public meetings.

Chairman of London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority Gareth Bacon AM said: “The consultation is a chance for Londoners to have their say on our budget proposals and how the authority can save £6.4m.

“Over the next eight weeks, we’ll be holding public meetings and talking to a variety of stakeholders to get their opinions.

"If you want your voice heard I urge everyone to visit our website and tell us what they think.”

'It’s not about jobs, it’s about losing fire stations from the frontline'

Steve Stephenson, Chelsea Fire Brigade Union rep told getwestlondon: “At the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority meeting at City Hall on December 2, the chief fire officer presented his case for getting rid of 13 engines.

"He said there was no other way for saving the money.

"Labour drafted an alternative plan which saves the same amount of money but does not involve cuts to engines. It means no frontline cuts.

“It was greeted with horror by Conservatives and the chief. Labour won the vote because they had the support of the Lib Dems and Greens . It was all a bit humiliating for the chief.

“It means when it goes to public consultation it will include the new option. It give us a glimmer of hope.”

Speaking about the alternative option to scraping the 13 engines, Steve said:

“It’s not great but it’s infinitely better that losing those pumps because if they go then that’s it, they will never come back.

“The 13 fire engines are the ways that improve and keep your fire cover healthy on a day to day basis.

"It would be better to keep all the engines even if some of them are to be crewed in different ways.

"It’s not about jobs, it’s about losing fire stations from the frontline."

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Do you think the fire engines should be saved?