A day of action took place to raise awareness of fire station closures within vulnerable communities.

The day was organised by Battersea Labour Party and took place in the Doddington Estate, Battersea, on Monday.

It comes after the Mayor of London earmarked Clapham Fire Station, Old Town, Clapham, for closure alongside 11 others across London.

Councillors highlighted the fact Battersea Fire Station has only one pump appliance, but two appliances are often required when people are trapped.

Signatures were collected for a petition to be handed to the Mayor of London.

Labour London Assembly members Valerie Shawcross and Jennette Arnold visited the estate and were on hand to answer any questions.

Labour councillor Simon Hogg said: "These cuts have not taken into account the style and density of housing in North Battersea - let alone the 16,000 new homes being built in Nine Elms.

"Official figures say the emergency response time in Queenstown Ward will go up by one minute and 20 seconds.

"This is an unacceptable risk, and the delays will be even worse for those serious fires that require several fire engines to attend."  

Ron Dobson, commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, said: "Like virtually every other public service, the Brigade needs to make savings.

"Additional savings cannot be found without making significant changes to how we keep London safe. I

"In the last decade, demand for the Brigade’s service has changed dramatically and it’s time to reflect that in how our fire stations, engines and staff are organised."

A consultation on the draft fifth London safety plan is running until June 17, with a final decision expected by the end of the year.

Visit london-fire.gov.uk/lsp5.asp