It has emerged this week that plans by the Tory Mayor of London’s Fire Brigade that Islington is set to lose three vital fire appliances that currently serve the borough.

Under the new proposals the Fire Commissioner has announced he will be removing 27 pumping appliances from around London in preparation for possible industrial action.

If the plans go ahead Islington will face the prospect of going through another period of hot weather with a reduced fire provision which will significantly increase response times in the event of an emergency – and with no timescale for when they will be returned.

Cllr. Catherine West Leader of Islington Council said:

 “This is a dangerous plan. We’re already fighting the prospect of losing two fire stations that serve our borough; now to lose three appliances on top of this is completely unacceptable.

Going into the bank holiday weekend and with the prospect of more good weather on the way this will again put Islington residents at risk” 

 Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn said:

 “Islington residents will pay the price for the Mayor of London’s failure to manage the fire service. The removal of three appliances could cost lives.

 There has been no public consultation on this and I share the anger of local people”