Bromley schools have joined forces over fears the borough’s museum is at risk of closure due to council budget cuts.

More than 500 parents and teachers have signed a petition asking the council to reconsider if there are plans to close Bromley Museum in Church Hill, Orpington.

Schools across the borough often visit the Grade II listed medieval building, The Priory, which opened in 1965, for their history studies.

Teacher at Perry Hall Primary School in Orpington, Gill Hughes, launched the petition after the council warned it must axe some services under a tough financial squeeze.

The 57-year-old history subject leader said: “Perry Hall really values the museum and we want to do all we can to try and keep it open. The Priory is such a beautiful building.

“Every child from Year One to Year Six goes there at least once a year. It’s just a massive benefit to their learning.

“Some of the schoolchildren have started their own petition. I’ve even had one little boy who has written a letter to Orpington MP Jo Johnson.”

A Bromley Council spokeswoman said it was committed to protecting the borough’s heritage and no formal proposals or decisions had yet been taken over the museum’s future.

Parent Julian Robinson, of Poverest Road, Orpington has signed the petition because he has a seven-year-old daughter at Perry Hall Primary School who loves the museum.

The 46-year-old said: “We are really worried that councillors are planning on closing the museum altogether.

“My daughter really enjoys visiting The Priory with her friends. It’s a real benefit to the children and it would be a shame for it to close.”

Staff at St George’s Bickley Primary School, Wickham Common Primary School and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School have also been collecting signatures.

The council spokeswoman said a public consultation into the council’s budget was ongoing with more than £60 million to be saved and difficult decisions to be made.

She said: “The council must look at the future of every council service as part of this [the budget], which includes the museum.

“Decisions are likely to be taken in the New Year, and we will continue to keep residents and interested parties informed.”

Bromley Council has urged residents to air their views on budget cuts before its public consultation closes at midnight on December 7.

Visit www.bromley.gov.uk/ourbudgetyourviews to take part.