Islington Greens marched today in support of the Fire Brigade Union campaign to save Clerkenwell Fire Station from closure under plans put forward by Conservative Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
They were joined by Green London Assembly Member Darren Johnson, who spoke at a rally at the end of the march to call for cross-party unity in opposing these dangerous and irresponsible cuts.
Darren Johnson said: “I was proud to oppose these cuts on the London Assembly – and will continue fighting them despite the mayor’s determination to railroad them through.
“Londoners would prefer to keep their fire stations open rather than have a 7p a week discount on their council tax.”
Highbury campaigner Caroline Russell said: “Islington is one of the most densely populated boroughs in the country, and Clerkenwell is London’s 3rd busiest fire station. The idea of shutting it down understandably strikes fear into local residents and everyone who works and travels in the area.”
“The fire brigade does much more for the local community than fighting fires. They are a vital part of the emergency service team attending road traffic collisions – of which we sadly have far too many in Islington.”
Clerkenwell resident and Green Party campaigner Tom Bowker said: “The Fire Brigade has admitted that the cuts to London’s fire services will create winners and losers – and the people who live, work and go to school in south Islington are clear losers in this process.
“Boris needs to wake up and realise this is about more than saving cash – people’s lives are at stake.”’