A row over proposed library closures has seen one councillor hit out at Havering Council over its consultation process.
Harold Wood councillor Brian Eagling, of the East Havering Residents' Group, claimed the council was making it difficult for people find out and attend events on the planned closures.
Four libraries may shut in Havering as the council seeks to make savings to address its budget deficit. Five main libraries will remain open.
The consultation opened on May 10 and closes on August 2, with the council inviting people to attend in-person events from July 9 until August 1.
Harold Wood Library is one which may close, as shown in the council's Library Strategy 2024-2049.
But Cllr Eagling on July 10, behind a 1,270-strong petition, claimed the council was acting like a "dictatorship" trying to limit turnout.
"The council are turning around and saying you have to book to get in," Cllr Eagling told the Recorder. "A ticket to a public meeting - what's going on there?"
"If a lot of people turn up and you turn them away they're going to be quite angry with you."
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As well as Harold Wood, Elm Park Library, Gidea Park Library, Collier Row Library and South Hornchurch Library are the other sites which could close.
In response to Cllr Eagling's claims on turnout, Ray Morgon, Havering Council leader, said event space was being allocated through Eventbrite to ensure supply meets demand.
"We do not anticipate turning anyone away who wants to ask about the consultation," he added.
Cllr Eagling said Harold Wood councillors were "angry" about its library's potential closure.
"You're taking everything away from Harold Wood - where's the nearest library, Harold Hill?" he added.
The councillor also claimed its closure would especially hit disabled people, who may find it difficult to travel via public transport to Harold Hill.
Cllr Morgon said Havering has ten libraries and the five which account for 80 per cent of visits will remain open under proposals.
"Four out of five branch libraries are proposed to close. No final decision will be taken until autumn."
Deputy council leader Gillian Ford added that it was made "very clear" at a council meeting on July 9 that alternative options were being considered.
"A number of alternative options [to address the budget deficit] are being worked up by officers, but these will all depend on cost and budget savings," she posted to her Facebook page.
People can find out when the in-person consultations are via consultation.havering.gov.uk/libraries/havering-council-libraries-consultation.
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