Battersea may have reduced fire cover after proposals to move its specialist fire rescue unit were revealed by the

London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA).

The unit was introduced in Battersea four years ago, after the station lost its second fire engine. It is currently one of only five based in the capital to deal with major incidents like chemical spills and road accidents.

Under the new proposals it will be shifted in the reorganisation, increasing specialist fire cover to seven units across London.

If the plans contained in the LFEPA's Best Value Review panel report are approved, Battersea's nearest rescue unit would be based in Twickenham or Croydon.

The five-man fire rescue units carry a wide variety of specialist equipment, from heavy lifting gear to winching, cutting and pulling tools. They also carry a snake eye' camera, which is used by doctors to examine the injuries of people trapped in small spaces.

Fire Brigade Union spokesman Mick Shaw said: "People in Wandsworth would have to wait longer for a unit if the proposals acted on. But response times across London would be better because the units are placed strategically and we welcome that," he said.

An LFEPA spokesman said, "The plans will achieve a fifteen minute response time for the specialist units to high-risk areas of the capital. Existing fire cover from local stations will be unaffected by these proposals."

The LFEPA will debate the proposals on July 25.

July 17, 2002 10:30