Fire station refurbishments in London could be delayed because the sale of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority's (LFEPA) old headquarters has been held up, the London Assembly has heard.

The Assembly's Budget and Performance Committee heard that fire station upgrades at Kentish Town, New Cross, Feltham, West Norwood and Knightsbridge are affected initially.

LFEPA's programme for station upgrades is dependent on receiving £10 million in both 2010/11 and 2011/12 from the sale of the property. However, delays in obtaining planning permissions for the sale of 8 Albert Embankment has meant the proceeds are not yet available for LFEPA's future capital spending plan.

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The Committee heard it was likely that LFEPA would not receive the money in the next financial year, and there was a risk it would not be forthcoming the following year. A delay would mean planned work to refurbish ageing fire stations would be put off.

John Biggs AM, Chair of the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee, said: "The Committee has previously highlighted the risk to LFEPA budgets of delays to the sale.

"While we were assured that Londoners' safety will not be compromised, it seems that the condition of fire stations will not be improved as planned, potentially affecting firefighters’ working environment. If the buildings are not updated, maintenance costs will also be higher in future years."

(CD/GK)