FUNDING for a new fire station has been approved.

The current facility in High Road, Leytonstone, will be knocked down and replaced by a station on the same site, under a £60 million scheme to re-build eight stations.

Fire engines and staff will be temporarily transferred to different local stations during building work, which will be funded by a private finance initiative.

The scheme is due to begin late next year, with Leytonstone in the second phase of scheduled works.

The current station is said not to meet the needs of the modern fire service, with limited space and facilities.

The new station will provide accommodation for firefighters, room for modern appliances and training facilities.

There will also be space for members of the public to visit and receive fire safety advice.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “This project is about improving our service for Waltham Forest.

“The new fire station at Leytonstone fire station will support our drive to reduce the number of accidental fire deaths and injuries in the home.

“Temporarily transferring fire engines to different stations during the construction phase will not lead to a reduction in our service and will allow us to maintain good attendance times.”

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