Letter for Publication: the impact of HS2 on emergency services

Dear Editor,

 

One aspect  of the HS2 issue that has not seen much public attention so far   is the impact on emergency service attendance  times in Camden, about which I questioned London’s Fire Commissioner at the recent Fire Authority meeting.

 

Having already lost Belsize and Clerkenwell Fire Stations in Mayor Boris Johnson’s last round of cuts, The 10 or more years of HS2 construction work will  inevitably impact on the ability of fire engines from Euston, Kentish Town and West Hampstead to attend emergency calls; and for fire engines from stations south of Euston Road to attend calls north of the road. Remember the big fire at Camden Lock in May last year, which required 10 fire engines and 70 fire fighters from stations far from Camden as well as our own?

 

HS2 will bring road closures, road narrowing (for example at the important north/ south main artery Hampstead Road), and increased congestion.

 

The Fire Brigade has not petitioned against the HS2 Bill, relying instead on informal  discussions with HS2 Ltd. I am not convinced this is the best way to ensure the Brigade’s requirements. Soon, we will start to develop the next fire plan for London, which will be in force during the construction phase of HS2. The Fire Brigade must ensure that this new  plan reflects the impact on the Brigade’s ability to attend promptly emergency calls in Camden and the ability of Camden fire stations to attend calls elsewhere.

 

 

 

Andrew Dismore

Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden

 

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