Bromley library protesters forced a council meeting to be halted this week after calls for a review of the controversial service were pushed back until September.

Two members of the public shouted “you’re a disgrace” at councillors as they proposed pushing back a debate on Greenwich Leisure Limited’s management of Bromley’s libraries.

Workers are currently on indefinite strike over pay and vacant job posts, claiming they are being asked to act as management with no extra pay to fill gaps.

A petition by Unite the Union, supported by MP Ellie Reeves, has so far been backed by several hundred people.

Bromley’s opposition Labour group tabled a motion calling for a full “360 review” of services focusing on “employment practices and the levels of service provided for residents”.

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Councillor Vanessa Allen said at the meeting on July 15: “The strike action is based on multiple issues with management which have developed over two years of privatisation.

“For some residents, libraries are vital for their wellbeing. It is not acceptable for officers and Conservative councillors to sit on their hands and say it is not their place to intervene.

“The service is being run into the ground and that is not what was promised. We cannot continue to ignore this situation.”

In response, council leader Colin Smith pointed out that the contract with GLL is already set to be reviewed at a scrutiny meeting in September.

He said: “Naturally we would argue and rebut much of that, but there is little point tonight. The contract is being reviewed in September. I move no further debate tonight and we take it in September.”

With the debate being deferred before it had really begun, some members of the public gallery forced the meeting to be halted for five minutes.

They chanted several times “hands off Bromley libraries”, before shouting across the chamber, “You’re a disgrace”.

“You should be supporting them, shame on you”, one of the protesters said, “The libraries are a lifeline you are destroying.”

The pair of protesters were eventually escorted out of the chamber before the rest of the public made their way out.

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Greenwich Leisure Limited has previously said it is reviewing its parity in comparison to other library services.

A spokesman told the LDR service earlier this month: “Our senior leadership team brings a wealth of professional knowledge and experience of running libraries successfully and are supporting frontline library staff in keeping all of Bromley’s libraries open this summer.

“Unite walked out of negotiations before the strike and we are pleased that they have agreed to come back to the table – not least for their members who are paying the price for this unnecessary industrial action.”