The level of support for the firefighters of Finchley was abundantly clear this week.

The public meeting at Christchurch Hall was packed out as a panel of speakers including our MP Rudi Vis backed the determined men from Long Lane station in their fight against cuts.

Had London's Chief Fire Officer Brian Robinson had the decency to attend Monday's meeting he would have been left in no doubt about the feelings of the community. It was a rare demonstration of public passion.

Two years ago, cuts removed Finchley's fire rescue unit and an engine from Hendon and Barnet stations. Now the spectre of financial expediency threatens our safety yet again.

If the second engine at Finchley goes it will mean that the borough of Barnet, the second-largest in London and with a population of more than 300,000 souls, will be served by just five pumps.

Our borough is at more risk than ever from fire with the influx of new housing adding to already densely populated areas, sprawling leisure and retail facilities, and the criss-cross of major transport routes.

Costs of the fire service pension scheme is one reason given for cuts, but we have to say the service is restricted by oversights made years ago. We await the outcome of the pensions review with interest.

Meanwhile, you can play a part in protecting your fire service. We urge you all to make your feelings known. Don't belong to the silent majority. Fill out our coupon on p3 and send it off today.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.