Disabled people waiting to pamphlet councillors outside a chamber last night were asked to move downstairs by a council officer so councillors could avoid passing them.

Four wheelchair users, a guide dog user and about 10 campaigning carers were outside the chamber to protest against life-changing cuts to adult social care.

From yesterday: Lord Nelson-inspired song challenges Merton councillors to rethink deep cuts to disabled and elderly care

Former Merton councillor Richard Hilton, who was with the group when the officer asked them to move, went to speak to the council officer’s supervisor, but said the supervisor would not reveal where the order had come from.

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, leader of Merton Council was overheard telling protesters they were asked to move because the mayor wanted the meeting to go ahead.

But speaking to the Wimbledon Guardian this morning, he denied there was a problem with the protestors.

He said: “I think that was just a mistake on the part of the council officer.

“We have no issue with people wanting to make their point. I was there and there was no issue whatsoever. It may be that we have new staff and security and they were overly anxious.”

He added: “We are one of the most open council offices in London boroughs.”

The protestors were allowed to stay and pamphleted about half of Merton councillors, while others were redirected to an alternative entrance by council officers.

Claire Benjamin, a member of Merton’s Centre for Independent Living (MCIL), who was among campaigners asked to move last night, said: “So Merton Council is afraid to meet disabled people?”

Speaking to the Wimbledon Guardian this morning, she added: “If in doubt blame the staff - just about sums up Merton Council’s attitude. They don’t want to take any responsibility.”

Richard Hilton, UKIP’s parliamentary candidate for Mitcham and Morden said: “If I hadn’t stepped in they’d have been moved away, unable to speak to councillors entering the chamber.

"This heavy-handed behaviour is not acceptable, especially when used against older and disabled people.”

The incident followed a protest held by about 30 disabled and elderly people from Merton who serenaded people outside Merton’s Civic Centre in Morden with a specially-written song objecting to the cuts.