Keeping libraries like Woodford Green open would be one of Councillor Keith Prince’s priorities if he is elected to the London Assembly in May.

Conservative Cllr Prince is running to be assembly member for Havering and Redbridge in the London Assembly elections in May.

He said: “When I was leader of the council we made a point of not closing any libraries.

"But with Woodford Green, I think this is going to be the thin end of the wedge.

"Once they close one they will close another and another.

“It’s just not acceptable.”

Cllr Prince was elected to Redbridge Council in 2003, and spent five years as leader before the Conservatives lost overall control of the council to Labour in 2014.

He said: “I have spent a long time in both boroughs so they are both very dear to me.

"I was actually born in Havering but reborn in Redbridge.

“This campaign is about giving back to the two boroughs that have given me so much.

"If I was elected I would fight to make sure everyone in Havering and Redbridge has a better quality of life.”

Other areas Cllr Prince plans to address in his campaign are affordable housing for young people and improving education.

MP for Chingford and Woodford Green Iain Duncan Smith has pledged his support for Cllr Prince’s campaign.

He said: “Being a part of the community, Keith is well placed to represent the community and most importantly, work to ensure that people can have their voice heard.”

Keith Prince’s campaign will officially launch later this month.

A Redbridge Council spokesman said: "We would re-iterate our previous statement that Woodford Green Library would not close until the new library is in place and, as stated, are looking at redeveloping and providing a new modern library, community and fitness facility on the Hawkey Hall site, as has been achieved very successfully with one of our other libraries."