SEVEN councils including Lewisham and Greenwich are at the High Court today (November 26) for their legal battle against “flawed” cuts to the capital's fire service.

The legal challenge is against the Mayor of London’s plans to axe 10 fire stations - including at Woolwich and Downham – as well as the loss of 14 fire appliances and 552 firefighter posts.

The judicial review is being led by Islington Council, along with Southwark, Camden, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Lewisham and Greenwich and is set to run until November 28 at The Royal Courts of Justice.

The councils will argue the plan does not take into account fire risk factors in densely-populated inner London which has more disadvantaged residents at greater risk from fire.

They will also argue the consultation process into the Fifth London Safety Plan was unlawful, the Equalities Act was breached as well as stressing the impact on public safety.

Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock said: "We are determined to do what we can to protect our communities and that is why we have taken this legal action.

"I believe the cuts to the fire service will put the safety of our residents at risk."

Islington Council’s executive member for community safety Councillor Paul Convery added: "Together, we are bringing this legal action to protect our communities from cuts which we believe will make many of our residents less safe.

"We believe these cuts are flawed, and are taking legal action to stop these cuts being implemented and having an impact on Londoners' safety."