A PUBLIC meeting will be held next week for locals to give their say on the future of the fire service in Bromley and Bexley.

The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA), the political body which runs the London Fire Brigade, is consulting on its Draft Fifth London Safety Plan, which outlines how the capital’s fire and rescue service will be delivered over the next three years.

It is claimed the decision to cut 12 fire stations, 18 fire engines and 520 firefighters will mean 41 local wards in London will fall outside the target response time.

In Bromley, response times in Plaistow and Sunridge will increase from 5.33 mins to 6.06 mins.

Mottingham and Chislehurst North will also see a 38sec increase in the average first appliance attendance time.

Labour London Assembly Member Len Duvall said: "It is vital that residents take part in this consultation about the proposal to close 12 fire stations in London and make sure that their voice is heard.

"We believe that the Mayor is cutting too far, too fast and is hitting the frontline.

"The increases in response times in Bromley show how flawed the Mayor’s Draft Fire Plan is.

"We are deeply concerned that the cuts will jeopardise the safety and security of Londoners.

"But we want to hear from Londoners about their views during this consultation and what they think."

Andy Holcombe, the Brigade’s Borough Commander for Bromley, said: "The meetings have been arranged for local people to come along and hear about the changes being proposed to the fire service across London, as part of the Draft Fifth London Safety Plan."

The meeting will be held at 7pm on Thursday May 23 at Bromley Central Library.

Residents from Croydon are also invited to attend.

After attending the meeting the Brigade hopes people will then take part in the consultation, due on June 17, which is available online at london-fire.gov.uk/LSP5.asp.