A PROPOSAL to move a key slice of Bexley’s history to Bromley would "take away the heritage of the borough".

That’s according to the organiser of the Save Bexley Archives campaign set-up to oppose the possible move of the Bexley Local Studies and Archive Centre from Central Library in Bexleyheath.

Penny Duggan, 37, has taken her opposition to Twitter and Facebook after Bexley Council suggested the centre could merge with Bromley Central Library and leave its current Townley Road base.

The plan to transfer thousands of documents, photos and other items from the borough’s past would save £41,000 according to the council, which first mooted the proposal at a public cabinet meeting on October 15.

An online petition against the plans has more than 250 signatures.

Ms Duggan volunteers once a week at Bexleyheath library and is secretary of the Bexley Historical Society.

The book publisher told News Shopper: "The council is basically trying to take away the heritage of the borough.

"There is no way schools would have that same relationship with the centre so it would affect children’s education.

News Shopper:

This shot of the opening of Bexleyheath Clocktower in 1912 would be moved to Bromley (image courtesy of Bexley Local Studies and Archive Centre).

"There are implications for archives all over the country and there is a principle at stake here.

"If Bexley Council can do it other councils might think about doing it as well."

Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce called the proposal "dreadful".

Writing on the Save Bexley Archives Facebook group, she said: "Next year we are meant to be encouraging people to remember the First World War and removing our archives from the borough will hinder the efforts local schools are making to bring history alive for young people.

"I will do all I can to get residents to oppose this proposal."

The plan is one of 23 proposals put forward by Bexley Council to address a £10 million funding gap faced by the authority next year.

A public consultation on the plans runs until December 18.

A council spokeswoman said: "No final decisions will be taken until after the feedback from the consultation has been considered."

Visit bexley.gov.uk to read the proposals and surveymonkey.com/s/bexleybudget2014 to comment.