A campaigner has said he is “not confident” the council will deliver on its promise to keep other libraries open, following its proposal to move Woodford Green Library.

Chairman of Wanstead Society Scott Wilding said he does not know how Redbridge Council can keep libraries like Wanstead open following a £190,000 cut to the budget last year.

Mr Wilding, 35, of Addison Road, Wanstead, said: “The council says it will not close anymore libraries, but I am not confident they will be able to stick to that over the next couple of years, given the huge cuts that have been made.

“We haven’t seen any of the plans to close Woodford Green Library and relocate it to Hawkey Hall.

"They keep doing things like this without consulting the public and it’s very frustrating.”

At a full council meeting last night, cabinet member for civic pride Councillor Dev Sharma said: “I assure you that Wanstead Library will stay open and there are no plans to close any other libraries or make changes to opening hours.”

He said Woodford Green Library in Snakes Lane East is “tired and not really fit for purpose” so the council has proposed to relocate it to the Sir James Hawkey Hall site in Broomhill Road.

Mr Wilding said: “In Wanstead the paving on the high street is over 30 years old. We have lost a police station, the hospital has closed down, two banks and a butchers have gone.

“With the west of the borough being let down like this, I don’t see how they can keep their promises about the libraries.”

A spokesman for Redbridge council said: "The Council is currently undertaking a comprehensive budget consultation to understand what residents priorities are for the Borough.

"This budget proposal is included within our wider consultation and we encourage all residents to take part by visiting www.redbridge.gov.uk/budget."