A campaigner is petitioning to keep Lewisham station - the town centre's oldest building - claiming it could be partially demolished by Southeastern.

Southeastern's plans include removing an old retail space and the British Transport Police office, opening up an additional entrance to platform 2 and creating two extra walkways from platform 3.

The company says the work is vital to deal with the ever increasing demand at Lewisham station, which has been exasperated by the ongoing Thameslink work at London Bridge.

But Joe O'Donnell, 31, of Ellerdale Street, has begun a petition against the work, with 104 supporters so far.

He said of the 1856 building: "Like Greenwich or Blackheath stations it could become a real gem - appreciated by the thousands that use it daily."

Mr O'Donnell claims there are plans to knock large holes in the front and side of the building, although Southeastern say any changes will be minor and the Victorian structure will be preserved.

Head of facilities at Southeastern Peter Stapleton, said: "In terms of the Victorian architecture of Lewisham station, we will not be making any changes to the external Victorian architecture. 

"However, for the work to be completed it is necessary to alter some of the architecture internally of the station but this will be kept to a minimum."

But Mr O'Donnell has applied to English Heritage with the hope that the building could become listed.  

He said: "I've also asked Lewisham Council to issue an Article 4 direction requiring Southeastern to obtain planning permission for any proposed changes to the station."

The works are set to be complete by August 28. 

To sign the petition, visit change.org