A protest to "save our libraries" is planned outside the town hall ahead of a council meeting this evening.

The rally, organised by group Save Our Libraries In Danger (SOLID), will see residents, union representatives, politicians and campaigners gather outside Havering Town Hall at 6.30pm today (September 4).

Residents have been encouraged to bring their favourite book to the protest.

This comes as Havering councillors prepare to vote on whether to keep five libraries at risk of closure open as part of a full council meeting at 7.30pm.

Libraries in Collier Row, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South Hornchurch were on the list of proposed closures announced in the council's Library Strategy 2024-2049 in May.

Council leader Ray Morgon later confirmed that "four out of five branch libraries are proposed to close", reducing the total number of libraries in the borough from ten to six.

Harold Wood councillor Brian Eagling, of the East Havering Residents' Group, has opposed the proposal, setting up a petition with fellow ward councillors Martin Goode and Darren Wise that has gathered 1,337 signatures.

He previously told the Recorder: "We do not want that library shut because our children go there to get library books.

"You're taking everything away from Harold Wood - where's the nearest library, Harold Hill?"

East Havering Residents' Group put forward the motion to be discussed at the council meeting this evening, asking for "the administration to immediately call a halt to the closure of any libraries in the borough".

Harold Wood library is one of the four earmarked for closureHarold Wood library is one of the four earmarked for closure (Image: Google Street)

The group also asked that any libraries under threat be converted into "multi-use venues for existing council services" instead of being closed completely.

READ MORE: Havering Council criticised over library closure events

The response from majority group Havering Residents' Association ahead of the meeting is that "this administration is considering all options".

Also on the list of motions to be debated at the council meeting are tougher building safety standards for the borough and anti-social behaviour in parks.

The Conservative group, which put forward both motions, described the levels of antisocial behaviour in Havering parks as "unacceptable".

The meeting also coincides with the publication of the Grenfell Inquiry report, and all parties appear to be in agreement that Havering's Local Plan should be updated to include "stricter building standards".