Redbridge residents are invited to have their say on plans to close 12 London fire stations at a meeting in Ilford tonight.

Borough commander Steve Brown will be at the consultation along with representatives from the Greater London Authority at Redbridge Town Hall, in High Road.

The planned changes as part of the London Safety Plan will be explained before a question and answer session with the panel.

No Redbridge stations will be closed but London Fire Brigade figures predict that fire engines will arrive slower than target times in most parts of the borough if the changes go ahead.

In Wanstead ward, second fire engines will take nearly nine minutes to reach emergencies - missing the eight minute target.

Nearby stations in Chingford, Leyton and Leytonstone will each lose one of their two fire engines under the plans - meaning Redbridge firefighters may have to respond to their calls.

Around 520 firefighter posts would be cut and 18 fire engines removed across London.

The Fire Brigades’ Union, politicians and campaign groups have objected to the proposals, which would save the brigade an estimated £28.8million.

The meeting, which also covers Havering, will start at 7pm and run until around 9pm in the Lambourne Room of the town hall.

A consultation is open at www.london-fire.gov.uk until June 17.