Finchley firefighters will hold a public meeting on February 1 in protest over proposals to axe one of their engines.

The announcement yesterday steps up their campaign against the cuts which they say could cost lives.

London's cash-strapped fire authority plans to remove an engine from the Long Lane station and four other appliances to meet recommended budget cuts of £6million. A final decision will be taken on February 18.

If it implements cuts, the authority will still need to raise money by increasing its share of the council tax bill by ten per cent -- £2.50 more each year.

If the authority votes against cuts the bill would rise by £5.50.

Firefighters have invited Finchley & Golders Green MP Rudi Vis and Barnet Council leaders to the meeting, at 7.30pm at Christchurch Hall, 620 North Finchley High Road.

A leaflet explaining the situation is available in public libraries. The Hendon & Finchley Times is opposed to cuts and we urge readers to read the leaflet and make their feelings known by returning the attached form to the authority.

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