Fire stations in Westminster could face closure as �35 million cut takes shape
Fire stations in Westminster could face closure over the coming months, a politician has warned, as �35 million is stripped from London Fire Brigade (LFB) budgets.
London Assembly member Murad Qureshi warned Westminster stations were at risk after fire chiefs revealed they had identified �14 million of cuts for the next year, with �21 million still to find.
As yet there is no list of stations facing closure.
Mr Qureshi said: “It’s unclear whether Westminster will be affected but with so many stations at risk and 3 stations in Westminster I fear that we will be hit.
“The level of cuts forced on the London Fire Brigade by government are truly reckless. They are hitting front-line services and putting public safety at risk.”
Fire Brigade Union Regional Secretary for London Paul Embery said: “The level of cuts being demanded is �65 million over two years. Some of the whispers seem to suggest there could be fire station closures, but we do have to emphasise we have no evidence yet.
“Rest assured, when the proposals come through, if they are damaging to the safety of people in Westminster, or anywhere in London, we will do what is necessary to fight them.”
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A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “It’s no secret that the London Fire Brigade is going to have to make very significant savings over the next two years. Fire Authority members from all parties have been involved in discussions looking at how the Authority can best achieve the balance of providing the service the public need with less money available.
“No decisions have yet been taken and before they are, there will be a public consultation so people can have their say.”
