LEWISHAM Council is warning the proposed closure of fire stations in Downham and New Cross will have a disproportionate effect on the borough.

In its response to the ongoing consultation over the Draft Fifth London Safety Plan, to be discussed at next Wednesday's Mayor and Cabinet meeting, council officers point out that 582 incidents were responded to in Lewisham by stations under threat of closure in the last six months.

It also highlights 2010's blaze at Haberdashers Aske’s Hatcham Temple Grove School in New Cross, there 50 fire fighters responded, including many from stations set to be closed or lose a fire engine.

The report states: "If the planned cuts go ahead, those fire engines would not have been able to respond to this fire in Lewisham."

And it also warns about possible increases in response times of up to 10 minutes if the Boris Johnson-backed closures - opposed by Labour, the Lib Dems and Greens in Lewisham - go ahead.

Labour group leader Councillor Alan Hall said: "This will put lives at risk."

The consultation runs until June 17 with a decision expected to be made next month.

To have your say visit london-fire.gov.uk/LSP5.asp or call 0800 9888 569 or email londonsafetyplan@london-fire.gov.uk