Protest tomorrow against fire station closure (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Protest tomorrow against Clapham Fire Station closure

9:50am Friday 15th March 2013 in News By Alexandra Rucki

Firefighters are staging a demonstration against the closure of Clapham Fire Station.

Crews from Clapham station will be taking part in a day of action opposing swingeing cuts to London's fire service.

A march will be setting off from Clapham Common at 12.30pm, followed by speeches at the bandstand.

They are joining firefighters throughout London who will be out in their communities campaigning, handing out leaflets and petitioning.

Clapham is one of the 12 fire stations currently earmarked for closure under the Mayor of London's Draft Fifth London Safety Plan.

The commissioner of the London Fire Brigade has predicted cuts would mean 4.7m people will be waiting longer for a fire engine.

Paul Embery, FBU regional secretary, said: "These cuts are dangerous and wrong. No-one wants them, apart from Boris Johnson.

"Public safety is playing second fiddle to crude economic ideology, and that is inexcusable.

"Firefighters know better than anyone the importance of getting a fire engine to an emergency quickly, and that's why on Saturday they will be out in their hundreds campaigning against the cuts.

"Fire stations that have stood protecting Londoners for generations are under threat. We hope that the public will support our campaign to prevent their closure."