A public consultation on plans to close Clapham Fire Station ends today.

The Mayor of London has earmarked the station, in Clapham Old Town, Clapham, for closure alongside 11 others in the capital.

It comes after the London Fire Brigade (LFB) needs to make savings of £28.8 over two years by closing stations, cutting 520 jobs and 18 fire engines.

Public meetings have been held over the proposals in Wandsworth and Lambeth on how the borough will be affected.

According to the LFB, response times to emergencies will rise in Clapham Common by 2.57mins and in Clapham Town by 3.57mins if the plans are implemented.

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

The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA), the body governing the service voted to oppose the station closures.

But after Boris Johnson threatened legal action members voted to authorise the public consultation.

After the consultation ends a report will be prepared and considered by the LFEPA.

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. 

"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."

The consultation ends today at midnight, with the final decision expected to be made later this year.