LIBRARY managers have been getting advice from youth workers and police on how to deal with badly-behaved youngsters.

Security guards have had to be employed at Northumberland Heath, Blackfen and Sidcup libraries to protect staff and users from disruptive visitors.

Staff at Bexleyheath's Central Library in Townley Road, were forced to call police several times during the summer holidays to remove troublemakers.

There was also an incident at Northumberland Heath.

Now Bexley Council has created a code of conduct, which is on display in all libraries in the borough, detailing how youngsters and adults are expected to behave.

Nicky Willmott, 41, of Acklands Close, Bexleyheath, has witnessed the problems library staff face.

Her daughter was taking part in the summer reading scheme at the Central Library when their visit was ruined by four children aged between nine and 12.

She said: "I could not wait to leave. I was horrified to hear from the librarian this behaviour is a regular occurance but they are powerless because the culprits are children.

"I saw no steps to implement the code. These boys were not even library members. They just came in to make a nuisance of themselves. When I left, they were still there."

The council says it accepts a certain amount of noise in its libraries, especially in the children's section.

But if children do misbehave they are asked to sign the code, provide their name and address and are made aware if they do not obey the code they will be banned from all the borough's libraries for a short period.

If they misbehave again, a letter is sent to their parents and their details are passed the the borough's community safety partnership and a neighbourhood police officer visits.

If parents cannot vouch for their children's future behaviour, the ban will remain.