Andrew Dismore

The recent fire at Hereward House School in Strathray Gardens again brings home just how dangerous Mayor Boris Johnson’s proposed cuts to the fire brigade are.

The fire engine from Belsize Fire Station was at the scene in less than two minutes, and immediately got to work. The next to arrive was from West Hampstead, which took 8 minutes to arrive: not their fault, they just had much further to come.

Belsize Fire Station is one that Mayor Boris Johnson plans to close.

It is lucky the school fire occurred in half term when the pupils were not there, and whilst Belsize fire station was still open or the consequences could have been far more serious.

The result of Mayor Boris Johnson’s cuts will be an average increase in actual attendance times across the whole of Camden of 45 seconds: this may not sound a lot, but a domestic fire can quadruple in intensity in two minutes. Some areas, like where the school is and which are served in the first response by Belsize firefighters will see a much longer delay, as the school fire demonstrates.

Labour members of the Fire Authority including myself refused to implement these dangerous plans but Mayor Johnson threatened us with court action if we did not consult on them. He also wanted to veto any public meetings where residents could have their say.

I am pleased to say that nevertheless we are going ahead with those meetings, including in Camden. Residents can also contribute to the consultation through the Fire Authority website, where more detail are available:  http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/.

It is vital that people respond to this consultation and tell Mayor Boris Johnson what you think of his plans to cut the fire brigade, so as to pay for a 1p per day cut in the Council Tax.  I am sure most people would prefer him to keep the 1p and leave the fire brigade alone!

Yours sincerely

Andrew Dismore

Labour London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden