Concern over removal of Shoreditch fire engine

Buried away in an internal budget document, London Fire Brigade have recommended the permanent removal of a fire engine at Shoreditch Fire Station.

Following the closure of Kingsland Fire Station in 2014, a large part of central Hackney was left without adequate cover in emergencies. As predicted, response times have increased and in De Beauvoir are now routinely over six minutes, increasing the chance of serious injury or even fatality.

Crews from Shoreditch were supposed to be covering the area following the closure. With the loss of an engine, I am concerned that a fire could go beyond flash point before a second crew would arrive.

It doesn’t show any rhyme or reason. Its salami slice cuts without a real plan of action.

I have written immediately to Hackney's Fire Commander to raise my concerns.

You can view the budget document here and supplementary information
here on page 87.