Judges reject Hackney Council’s bid to halt fire station closure

Facing closure: Kingsland fire station. Photograph: Francesca Fanshawe

Hackney Council has failed in its bid to secure a judicial review challenging Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s decision to close Kingsland Fire Station.

Seven London councils joined forces to fight the court battle against plans to close 10 fire stations in the capital as part of the Fifth London Safety Plan initiative, set to save £29 million.

The council’s Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden said: “I’m very disappointed with this result. But I am more disappointed that the Mayor of London chose to ignore the very real concerns of residents to force through these plans which put lives at risk.

“As a result of these damaging cuts, a third of Hackney will now fall outside London Fire Brigade’s recommended response time and residents in De Beauvoir ward will have to wait more than three minutes longer for vital, life-saving assistance.”

Chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority James Cleverly said: “The London Safety Plan was carefully and professionally produced and sets out how we will continue to deliver an excellent fire and rescue service for Londoners.

“The plan also includes efficiencies that will achieve a saving of £29 million, making a significant contribution to the £45 million we need to make over the next two years.

“I welcome today’s decision which allows us to remove the uncertainty hanging over our staff and proceed to implementation.”

Boris Johnson has said ensuring the fire service is financially stable and keeping Londoners safe are both “top priorities”.