THE firefighters union has hit out at London Fire Brigade for withdrawing 27 fire engines including one in Whitechapel from use.

Management removed the engines from the 27 stations across London in readiness if members of the Fire Brigades Union opt for strike action in the ballot over changes to their work patterns. The result is due later today.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “This is nothing but provocation. The result of our strike ballot is not even out yet, but the Chief Fire Officer has taken away 27 fire engines from local stations and local communities, when firefighters are there and ready to use them. The Brigade Brigade has a duty to consult with staff and public over reductions on fire cover. It failed to do so.”

He said the 27 appliances make up nearly a fifth of the entire fleet across London.