A Plumstead campaigner and former election candidate claims attempts to stop him filming a council meeting last week were politically motivated.

Under recently-introduced legislation, people have the right to record and film council meetings held in open session.

But, having already recorded debates in Woolwich Town Hall last month, Lib Dem Stewart Christie was shocked when security guards tried to stop him filming this week's full council meeting - while allowing another person to do so unchallenged.

In an official complaint to he council, he said: "Within seconds a man identifying himself as "security" attempted to remove me from the building. 

"When I asked which rule I was breaking I was told that mobile phones and photography were not allowed. On being pressed further I was informed that, 'the mayor has told me to get you to stop'."

After sorting out the problem, Mr Christie said he was then approached by another security guard who made the same request before a staff member stepped in and he was allowed to carry on.

Urging an investigation, he said: "I firmly believe that there has been abuse of the democratic process and the mayor may have acted in a politically motivated manner."

In his reply, chief executive John Comber apologised for the "misunderstanding".

He said: "I have investigated this matter and confirmed the mayor was not involved in this misunderstanding. The town hall supervisors misinterpreted the mayor's request to turn off mobile phones and asked you to stop filming."

Mr Comber added: "Arrangements have been put in place to make sure this does not happen in future."

UPDATE: After receiving this reply, Mr Christie sent us this photo of Council Leader Councillor Denise Hyland appearing to use her mobile phone. A number of other councillors sent tweets during the meeting.News Shopper: