Cuts could threaten Sutton fire station (From Sutton Guardian)

Cuts could threaten Sutton fire station

7:40am Wednesday 13th June 2012 in News By Matt Watts

Sutton fire station could come under threat, according to unions

Sutton fire station could be more vulnerable to forthcoming cuts to the fire service in London, unions have warned.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is set to cut £65m from its budget over the next two years.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) fears the predicted budget reductions will not be achieved only by cuts to back office functions.

Fire station closures, a reduction in firefighter numbers, and a reduction in the number of fire engines in use, and reduced firefighter numbers on some shifts, are all potential cuts on the table.

Paul Embery, London regional secretary of the FBU, said historically outer London stations, including Sutton, were more vulnerable to cuts because of their geographical location.

He said: "They are traditionally targeted as they are not seen as so crucial to fire cover because they are seen as quieter areas."

Sutton fire station has two fire engines, while Wallington fire station has only one.

Ron Dobson, LFB commissioner said: "In the last four years, the London Fire Brigade has saved over £40m without changing the core emergency response service we provide.

"Despite this, we still need to make substantial savings over the next couple of years. This is no secret.

"As people would expect, we are looking at all options for how to do this. At the moment, there are no proposals, so clearly, no decisions have yet been taken.

"Regardless of how these savings are made, London will continue to benefit from a first class fire and rescue service."

The FBU has warned it is prepared to take strike action if fire chiefs pressed ahead with swingeing cuts to the fire service's £400 million yearly budget.