FIRE chiefs have secured the cash they need to rebuild Plaistow’s ageing fire station.

The building, in Regent Lane, is one of nine across London that will be revamped as part of a �57.4 million Private Finance Initiative.

The plans were originally unveiled in 2009, but were put on hold when the Coalition Government came to power last year.

But the Department for Communities and Local Government has now announced the money will be made available and work is expected to start in late 2012.

Plaistow’s fire engine and crew will be temporarily transferred during construction - one to Stratford and the other to East Ham.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “This project is about improving our service for Newham.

“The new fire station at Plaistow fire station will benefit the local area by providing a fire station with better training facilities for firefighters as well as community facilities which will allow people to visit and 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. The station building work is expected to start in late 2012 and will be phased.”

The new stations will provide modern energy efficient accommodation for firefighters, with room for modern fire appliances and training as well as facilities to meet with local communities and provide fire safety advice.

Councillor Brian Coleman, chairman and leader of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority said: “This is a vote of confidence by the Government in London Fire Brigade.

“The PFI project will allow the London Fire Brigade to provide new or rebuilt community fire stations, replacing nine old stations, so that they meet the needs of a 21st Century fire and rescue service.”