HAYES Fire Station will lose one of its fire engines as part of controversial cuts to the London Fire Brigade.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, forced through the Fifth London Safety Plan (LSP5) last week. It outlines plans to close 10 fire stations and take 14 fire engines out of service.
Projected figures show that the removal of one engine from the station in Shepiston Lane, Hayes, will stretch the Hillingdon service and lead to an increase in response times.
The move will also result in more than 500 job losses across the capital, as the fire service strives to become more streamlined and save £29million of a £45m target in the next two years. The changes will be implemented by January 9 next year.
Mr Johnson has resolutely pressed ahead with the savings despite widespread criticism, and without the full backing of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA).
The LFEPA has twice voted against any cuts and both times Mr Johnson has overruled it, insisting the savings be made without risking public safety. He resorted to making a legal direction to the LFEPA, forcing it to comply.
The authority had wanted to challenge the mayor’s decision in the courts, but was advised it would have no legal basis.
Mr Johnson was grilled and heckled during the deciding meeting at City Hall on Thursday last week. James Cleverly, chairman of LFEPA, had the casting vote to break an eight-eight deadlock. He voted in favour.
Dr Onkar Sahota, London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon, called the cuts ‘reckless’.
“Boris may be celebrating but today Londoners have lost; he should hang his head in shame,” he said.
“It is a disgrace that Boris has not used his power and resources to fully fund the London Fire Brigade and keep the other 10 [stations] open as well.
“He is putting Londoners at risk and making our great city less safe.
“The public have spoken with one clear voice. The overwhelming majority do not want these cuts and want to protect front-line fire services.”
