Camden Council is awaiting a judge’s ruling after challenging the proposed closure of Belsize fire station in the High Court.

The four-day judicial review hearing finished on Friday and a judgement is expected either before Christmas or early in the New Year.

Camden Council has taken legal action over proposed cuts to London’s fire service in partnership with six other boroughs – Islington, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Lewisham and Greenwich.

The councils are seeking to overturn Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s decision to close 10 stations, including Belsize fire station in Lancaster Grove, Belsize Park, and to axe 14 engines and 552 firefighter posts.

The councils argue that the plan does not take into account fire risk factors in inner London, which is more densely populated, has more deprived and disadvantaged residents who are at greater risk from fire, and where fire responses are often more complex.

Cllr Abdul Hai, Camden’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “Camden will be hit hard by the proposed cuts.

“By bringing this legal action we seek to protect our communities from cuts that we believe will make our residents less safe.”