Borough to boost security following abuse of councillors and staff

Intimidating protests and abuse have forced the London Borough of Lambeth to look at more effective security for councillors and staff.

Examples of disruption have included a planning meeting at which the council said councillors and officers faced aggression during the meeting and on their journeys home, with one planner obliged to leave a bus and continue by taxi.

Police were called when a full council meeting in May was abandoned due to repeated shouting and aggressive disorder, including incidents of glitter being thrown directly into an officer’s face, and plastic eyes being hurled at councillors amid chants of “we’re watching you” and other instances of abusive and threatening language.

When a meeting was called to discuss the use of premises under railway arches in Brixton, the meeting was disrupted by a group of people who stood on chairs, shouted, threatened and intimidated officers and councillors, forcing police to intervene.

The council said that “many of the same group” had repeatedly sought to disrupt meetings of the council, cabinet planning and licensing committees.

This group has carried out protests under the name of a variety of campaigns, but is not thought to be affiliated to any political party.

Lambeth Leader Lib Peck said: “It is a very sad state of affairs when public servants are abused simply for doing their job.

“Most people coming to public meetings do so to engage and debate peacefully. However a small hardcore mob seem intent on disruptive, aggressive behaviour and it simply will not be tolerated.”

The democratic services team will review arrangements for public council meetings, which are being held in various locations across the borough while its town hall is refurbished.

Mark Smulian