Walthamstow is to get a new £7.4m fire station to replace its existing depot, which was officially closed yesterday.

London Fire Brigade has announced that it will build the new station, on Forest Road, Walthamstow, to house an extra fire engine and community access to allow firefighters to give safety advice to local people.

The station, which is due to complete in December 2011, will replace the existing 85-year-old station on the same site. The service will transfer to Woodford Fire Station while work is underway.

Waltham Forest Borough commander Richard Squire said: “The current building has served London well for 85 years but it’s no longer suitable for the needs of a 21st century fire and rescue service.”

“A brand new fire station is fantastic news for Waltham Forest and an extra fire engine will mean that we are even better able to respond to local emergencies.”

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