Hard-pressed commuters in Putney and Southfields who want extra rush hour trains on the District Line only have one week left to persuade tube bosses they are vitally needed.

Earlier this year London Underground chiefs unveiled proposals to provide an extra five morning rush hour trains on the Wimbledon Line.

The plan is to discontinue the poorly used weekday services to Olympia.

But since then residents and businesses near Olympia have been campaigning against the changes and are said to be on the brink of forcing a rethink.

The public consultation concludes next Friday - July 15 - and people who want to see the changes implemented are being advised to act now.

Wandsworth's transport spokesman Councillor Russell King says residents who want the extra trains have only one week left to speak out if they want to make sure their views are not overlooked.

He said: "Time is running out for people living in Putney and Southfields who want to see these service improvements delivered.

"The campaign by residents and businesses in Olympia is on the verge of overturning London Underground's original intentions so it is absolutely vital that passengers who want these extra trains speak out now."

People who want to take part in the consultation can email enquiry.tube@tfl.gov.uk marking it 'Olympia District line consultation' or call Transport for London's customer services hotline on 0845 330 9880 between 8am and 8pm seven days a week.

Comments can also be left on the TfL website at www.tfl.gov.uk/districtlineconsultation or in writing to LU's Customer Service Centre, 55 Broadway, London SW1H 0BD.

Commuters can also sign an online petition set up by the council backing the extra trains. To do so visit http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/extra-trains-on-the-district-line-wimbledon-branch.html Coun King added: "People living south of the river need to inundate London Underground with as many messages of support for the changes as possible."

The District Line service to Olympia is used by less than 2,500 people a day, but causes delays to all other services through Earl's Court.

Introducing the proposed changes would provide capacity for an additional 4,000 people on the Wimbledon line in the morning peak and an extra 800 people to Ealing Broadway in the evening.