People wishing to warm up in front of a coal or log fire in the borough could soon face a fine.

Councillors have voted through plans to expand a smoke control order to cover the whole of Wandsworth in a bid to improve air quality.

A council report said smoke emissions from residential properties are on the increase.

There are already smoke control orders in place dating back to the 1970's, but boundary changes mean some parts of the borough are not covered.

A council spokesperson said the order was made to combat health issues related to poor air quality.

He said: "We are seeking to clarify existing and long-standing legislation in order to protect air quality and ensure that the air we breathe is not polluted and harmful.

"It has been unlawful for many years to burn wood or coal in an open fire and we want the public to realise that doing so can have a big impact on air quality and contribute to an increase in childhood asthma and other respiratory problems."

Residents will still be able to use a fireplace in their home, as long as they use a smokeless fuel or a stove oven containing fuels they have been designed for.

Simon Birkett, founder and director of campaign group Clean Air London said London could face a return to the Great Smog of the 1950's if measures are not put in place.

He said: "London is back where we thought it was during the Great Smog of 1952. The Mayor must protect the health of Londoners and ensure full compliance with UK and European air quality laws throughout London."

The smoke control zone will come into effect on November 1.