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Clapham Fire Station under threat after fire authority concedes to Boris Johnson’s demands

Summary:

The authority backed down after this afternoon’s emergency meeting.

Image:

By SWLondoner staff

Clapham Fire Station remains at risk of closure after the capital’s fire authority backed down in their row with London Mayor Boris Johnson.

Earlier this month, the London Fire Emergency and Planning Authority (LFEPA) voted to block consultation on the fifth London Safety Plan, which would see 12 fire stations closed and 18 engines lost.

Mr Johnson reacted by threatening to seek a judicial review unless they obeyed with his instructions by 5pm today, and in an emergency meeting this afternoon, the authority conceded.

Residents across Lambeth demonstrated their hostility towards the plans at a meeting in Clapham earlier this month.

More than 70 people attended the meeting, where speakers included MP for Vauxhall Kate Hoey, Ian Lehair, the Executive Council Member for FBU London, local Labour councillors and members of the NUT and Unison.

A march through Clapham to demonstrate against the cuts has also been proposed for next month.

The potential closures are part of the efforts to meet £45m of budget cuts, but have been heavily opposed by the Fire Brigades Union, local councils and members of the London Assembly.

City Hall has said that the move is necessary to ensure the fire brigade has a balanced budget and to avoid compulsory job losses. 

Photo courtesy of  sarflondondunc, with thanks. 

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