Shock at cut in Islington's fire service

2.10.20pm GMT Mon 10th Jan 2005

Local people are still reeling from the shock news that Labour Mayor Ken Livingstone thinks the best way to protect Islington residents is to take away two of our fire engines, and over 40 firefighters too. And it's not just Islington and Finsbury residents who will suffer. Thousands of workers and visitors come into Islington each day. They also depend on our fire stations to keep them safe.

The motion I tabled with fellow campaigner Laura Willoughby received unanimous support from Islington Council. We are calling on the Mayor of London and the London Fire Authority to revise their proposals so that Islington does not lose 2 fire engines and 40 firefighters, and to prioritise fire services in Islington to reflect the high incidence of serious fires in the borough. Did you know? Islington has an average of 33 fires a week, and at least 14 serious fires Islington has the third highest number of serious fires in London That there are an average 5 deaths and 111 injuries from fires and incidents that required a call out each year 43% of fires in Islington cause injury to people or damage to property There are on average 12 serious fires with commercial properties a month

There are an average of 17 fires a year in Islington's Schools and educational buildings There are 8 main line railway stations and 10 underground stations in the borough which would rely on the fire services in the event of a major incident.

The Mayor of London's 'London Plan' both predicts and promotes the growth of population in inner London and Islington in particular, meaning local fire services will be serving more and more people

Islington's firefighters also run the LIFE project with local youth & provide valuable safety advice services The campaign to Save Our Fire Engines is backed by the Islington Gazette, the Fire Brigades Union and many local groups. To join the campaign, please email me