Library services are under threat as the deputy leader of Redbridge council said he could not guarantee saving them from cuts.

Anne Crook, Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate for Chingford and Woodford Green, challenged Redbridge council on the issue at the local forum yesterday at Wanstead Library in Spratt Hall Road.

A council report last month outlined how the Labour authority wants to handle the ongoing central government funding squeeze.

One of the proposals was closing three small libraries as well as the mobile library services although no specific branches or centres are mentioned.

Buildings could also be sold off as part of the process.

There are currently 13 libraries in the borough and smaller libraries such as Aldersbrook, Wanstead and Woodford Green could be under threat.

Deputy leader of Redbridge’s Labour council, Cllr Streeting, said a decision had not yet been made on which libraries would close. 

He said: “I can’t hand on heart guarantee saving library services but any possible closures will see extensive formal consultation and we will absolutely listen to the opinion of the people.

“People have to understand the financial backdrop we are working with, £70m savings by 2018, and unfortunately leisure and culture services in the borough are under particular pressure because they are not statutory.”

Woodford Green Library in Snakes Lane East was planned for closure early last year, with services set to move to Sir James Hawkey Hall in Broomhill Road.

But campaigners, including Ms Crook, thought this would diminish and eventually close the library, and plans were scrapped in August.

Cllr Streeting said the council had set up a leisure and culture panel with cross-party councillors looking at how it can save libraries and services.

He said: “They are not protected so we have to find ways new and innovative ways for them to make money.

“For example the new South Woodford Library has a gym attached which generates income for the council so we can safeguard its future.”