Fire cover in Barnet could be affected by station closures (From Times Series)

Fire cover in Barnet could be affected by station closures, according to Barnet GLA member Andrew Dismore

10:08am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Chris Hewett

A list of planned fire station closures was leaked from City Hall yesterday

Fire cover in Barnet could be affected by the Mayor of London’s plans to shut 17 of the capital’s stations, according to the borough's GLA member.

A list of planned closures was leaked from City Hall yesterday despite assurances from Boris Johnson during Mayor’s Question Time that no concrete decision had been made.

Barnet GLA representative Andrew Dismore warned of impending station closures earlier this month and described the mayor’s refusal to officially publish the list as “appalling”.

The Labour politician said: “It is outrageous that they won’t publish it. The point of the fire service is that it is an integrated whole.

“Every fire engine in London moves if there is a fire, whether it is to go and fight it themselves or cover another station.”

Although none of Barnet’s four stations were named on the hit list, Mr Dismore believes fire cover could be affected by closures in neighbouring boroughs.

He added: “I’m pleased that none of the Barnet stations are in the list but there are stations nearby that could have an impact on the borough.

“Belsize might help out if there is a big fire and they do support the Barnet stations.

“By not releasing the list they have effectively stifled debate on this and were planning to present it as a done deal – it is appalling.”

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Like virtually every other public service, the Brigade is facing the need to make savings. There is a target for these savings but the full details will not be known until at least December, when the Government announces its grant to the Brigade.

“We expect to be able to maintain our current target response times. No decisions about any possible fire station closures have yet been taken. Before they are, there will be a full public consultation.”