Questions raised over Purley fire station
7:30am Friday 22nd June 2012 in Where I Live
Fire chiefs were quizzed over the Purley station closure
London Fire Brigade bosses have allayed fears that Purley residents will suffer a depleted service when the fire station closes for refurbishment in 2014.
They held an open meeting last week to give residents the chance to ask questions about the rebuilding of Purley fire station.
Purley’s station will be closed for the duration of the building project with their crew moving to Mitcham fire station, that will be rebuilt in 2013.
One concern is whether the closure of the station will leave Purley with a longer fire response time due to the crew being based in Mitcham.
John Snelgrove, station manager for the PFI project, said there was nothing to be concerned about.
He said: “If a particular area doesn’t have a fire engine in the vicinity, another one will be moved to cover it. The Purley crew will still be doing their fire checks, old people’s homes visit, etc.
“There is nothing to be concerned about. It will be fantastic to have this new facility.”
Borough commander Chris Bigland said: “The fact is that fire cover will remain the same throughout the whole process.
“This is a really exciting time. We are here for the long haul. We are committed for at least 30 years, a whole generation.
Purley’s red watch manager, Jonathan Evans, said: “The people here would rather be based here, but as long as we are coming back, which we will do, we will just get on with it.
Residents at the meeting were happy to see the proposed plans for the new station.
Stuart Towers, of Downlands Road, said: “I like the idea. The design is good. It is very good that it will be remaining in the area as it wasn’t long ago that they were going to close it. There are no problems for me.”
One resident, who lives in sheltered accommodation at St Saviours Court, said: “I like the designs. They are really very helpful when they come and speak to us.”
Helen Harrison, of Old Lodge Lane, said: “I think it is fabulous that we are keeping the service. Great for the community and great for the staff that work here.”
