My colleague, Lib Dem Councillor Winnie Smith, has welcomed the news that the government has given the go-ahead for Leytonstone fire station to be rebuilt and improved.

Winnie says: “Local people would be shocked to see the state of the buildings where many of out fire-fighters have to work.  I am really pleased that the Lib Dems in Government have ensured that the money is there to rebuild Leytonstone fire station.  I am still pressing to get our fire engine back in Leyton.  That will be even better news”.

The funding that has been approved will see the existing buildings demolished, and replaced by a modern facility as part of a £60 million scheme to rebuild fire stations under a private finance initiative. The scheme is due to start late next year, with Leytonstone being part of the second phase.  See plan of new fire station above.The fire engines and staff will be relocated to other local stations while the work takes place. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson is reported to have said, “Temporarily transferring fire engines to different stations during construction will not lead to a reduction in our service and allow us to maintain good attendance times.”