An MP has praised the shelving of plans to move a library, but called for reassurance that services will remain after a review is completed.

Woodford Green MP, Iain Duncan Smith, visited Woodford Green Library, in Snakes Lane West today.

Vision Redbridge, which runs leisure services on behalf of Redbridge Council, had planned to close the library and relocate services to the Sir James Hawkey Hall in Broomhill Road.

But the council announced last month that plans had been halted ahead of a wider review of culture and leisure services in the Redbridge.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “I understand the council has given a stay of execution to the library and plans have been returned for a review but we want complete reassurance that services will remain here.

“It is absolutely vital this library stays open where it is needed, which is in the heart of the community, so I will be writing to the council to make sure there is no doubt.

“It is the best place for a library, next to shops, station, car park and estate with lots of children.”

A campaign against the move, organised by Anne Crook, 59, of Monkhams Avenue in Woodford Green, attracted 1,000 signatures. 

Wes Streeting, deputy leader of Redbridge council, said the council is looking at its options and new plans will be announced later this year.

He said: "It's the residents that deserve the credit for making their voices heard about the future of Woodford Green Library, but I'm glad IDS supports our decision to knock the Tories' relocation plan on the head.

“We'll be looking at library coverage across the whole borough as part of a much wider review of culture and leisure later this year and I'll be making sure that the campaigners in Woodford Green are heard then too."