A former Mayor of Swale has enlisted the help of history and heritage groups to prevent a Sittingbourne landmark being demolished.

Peter Morgan hopes to have the old magistrates’ court in Park Road designated an Asset of Community Value.

Introduced by the government in 2012, the scheme forces local authorities to maintain a list of buildings of importance which are nominated by local parish councils or organisations.

Groups are then given time to make a bid for the “asset” when it’s sold.

As individual nominations are not allowed, Mr Morgan, 87, from Park Road, has asked Sittingbourne Heritage Museum to “front” his approach to Swale council.

He said: “I’ve supplied the museum with papers explaining what an Asset of Community Value is about.

“It will be considered by the committee who will decide whether it’s worth proceeding with or not.”

The old court house was bought by Bailey Partners Investment in December. Plans have been submitted to knock it down and build eight houses and two flats.

Mr Morgan failed with his original appeal to English Heritage for the building to be listed and turned into a community centre.

He has also pleaded with councillors to look at extending the town centre conservation area to cover the magistrates’ court. He said: ”I feel I’m very much alone in this campaign.

“Although people have said they will send a letter of objection regarding the demolition, I’m not going to chase them and ask ‘have you done your homework’?

“Sittingbourne Heritage Museum and Sittingbourne Historical Research Group have given me space and time at public meetings to make my case for this historical building to be given a preservation order.”