I have sent this letter to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson…

Dear Mr Johnson,

I write in respect of your decision to consult on the proposed closure of the Woolwich Fire Station. I represent with two colleagues the Woolwich Riverside Ward in which the Fire Station sits. You will be aware of its history and contribution to the safety of Londoners through many generations.

The importance of London Fire Stations is self evident. Its role has changed significantly over many years. While Fire control and promoting fire reductions in the home continue, its importance during the London bombings and other security events is self evident.

I appreciated the fact that you visited Woolwich this week following the dreadful murder of Lee Rigby. Surely previous acts of terrorism and this tragedy in our own area must cause you to reflect on your determination to close Fire Stations across London.

I fully subscribe to your comment that we need to be forever vigilant but action speaks louder than words. Those of us who carry the burden of public office have an overriding duty to those we represent. I believe you have a duty to stop this folly. There is no appetite anywhere in London to close any Fire Stations other than in your office and in the heads of those only too willing to carry out your bidding. I consider the public consultation as simply window dressing.

I have taken the opportunity of promoting an e-petition which has been widely supporting the view that the Woolwich Fire Station. You have no mandate to do so and I would strongly urge you to reconsider. If you remain confident that your decision is the right one I suggest that you hold a London wide Referendum and abide by the decision of Londoners.

Best Wishes,

Councillor John Fahy
Woolwich Riverside Ward

REPLY FROM BORIS JOHNSON

Events in Woolwich will unite rather than divide the community. Wednesday was a dark day, but the healing process has begun. Evil came to a neighbourhood determined to leave lasting damage but failed to understand the resolve of ordinary people that are determined to stand up when necessary and lend support and comfort when called upon to do so.

It has been my privilege to represent Woolwich Riverside for the last twenty three years. I never fail to be impressed by the care and compassion that exists across the area. Wednesday was no exception. For a brief period evil came into our midst. The two women that tried to attend to the victim were exceptional and immensely brave. David Dixon, Head of Mulgrave, together with his team got the pupils and parents united providing access away from the school.

I was enormously impressed by the care and attention given to the community by Police Officers offering advise and support and escorting people away from the scene as necessary. The Rector of St Mary Magdelene Church opening the doors for one and all to join and pray together in solidarity.

No good wishes for the community from the EDL and their kind who sought to divide the community and take precious resources of the Police away from the scene of crime. They were in Woolwich to cause division venting their racist beliefs on a community suffering. There is no place for hate wherever it might come from.

Slowly but surely life is getting back to normal. Schools opened their doors and the education of young people continues. There will be questions asked in the classroom and elsewhere as to why this horrendous crime happened in our neighbourhood. We will know in due course but we must all remain vigilant.

It was a joy to attend the opening night of the Open Studios event at Second Floor Studios & Arts this evening. This vibrant arts community in the industrial setting of Warspite Road is a true local gem and special tribute must go to the founder Matthew Wood. Thanks to the artists who opened their studios to show some inspiring work. The Open Studios event continues across the weekend – do take a look if you get the time.

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A five minute walk from Kidbrooke Station lies Halton Court,the new extra care provision for older people. It will provide housing for up to two hundred residents The impressive building surrounded by splendid lawns and gardens is opening its doors to new residents in two weeks. Built to a very high standard by Berkeley and managed by Viridian, it is the latest addition to the emerging new provision promoted by the Council.

I had the privilege to get a tour of the building this week. Walking through the front door the space standards and quality hits you immediately.  The restaurant and other facilities are first class and will be open to older people across the Borough. The accommodation with walk in showers is delightful. A significant number of units are designed to Lifetime Homes standards and cater for disabled residents.

The development includes flats for tenants and shared ownership which will help those living in under occupied properties across the Borough. There are plans to develop a similar build in the Royal Arsenal and is likely to open in 2015 . All good news for our older residents who deserve the quality services now taking shape across the Borough

Brilliant sunshine brought residents of Pellipar Gardens to celebrate the completion of the regeneration of their homes.

Chief Executive Stephen Howlett was on hand to join in as were Cabinet Member for Housing Steve Offord and Ward Councillor Barbara Barwick .

The £2 million investment in doors and windows together with an improved public space is a significant improvement to the area. Some tenants I met up with had been living in the area since the Estate was built in 1977. Overall a wonderful afternoon of celebration.

Passions run high at the Dutch House pub.  Locals joined local MP Clive Efford at a campaign meeting this week after a planning application was submitted by McDonalds to open up yet another branch in the area. Teachers and young people from Horn Park School have started a petition challenged the need for another takeaway impacting on the health of young people and the drive to reduce obesity.

The thirty year old pub is cherished by local residents who are prepared to take their campaign to the Town Hall when the Planning application is considered. There is no economic reason to sell on the building. Trade has increased by 7% in the last year. The leaseholder are Stonegate who have over five hundred pubs across the Country. Residents are hoping that the Council will follow the Lewisham Council lead and protect further pubs from closure.

They are supported by CAMRA who are keen to see the development of a Community interest pub being established supported by the present owners. I could not find anyone supporting the sale to McDonalds.

Woolwich Fire Station remains under threat. The Mayor of London is happy to fund vanity projects across London while Londoners worry about their safety.

Built in 1887, Woolwich Station is a Grade-II Listed Building. The City Fathers agreed its development to protect insurance providers to limit their losses after the Great Fire in in 1666. It was extended in 1910. It is comparable in style to the Southwark Fire Station.

Sadly, the Mayor is immune to the voices of reason determined to protect the Woolwich Station. It is worthy if note that no Tory-led London Borough will lose a Fire Station. These are reckless proposals putting lives at risk in the poorest parts of London.

It is important that the Mayor gets a clear message to rethink his proposals and abandon closures. Savings can be made while keeping the Fire Stations across London in place.

If you think that the Mayor of London needs to rethink plans to close Woolwich Fire Station, please sign this e-petition and attend the public meeting on May 29th.

Please also read this excellent blog post by my colleague, Councillor Matthew Pennycook: “The closure of Woolwich fire station will put the long-term safety and security of residents at risk”