Residents are calling for the council to reconsider selling Margate museum and the old town hall.

Around 100 people signed an online petition to save the former police station and magistrates' court which has been converted to share history.

Thanet District Council announced plans to find another organisation to take over the heritage sites as the buildings are too expensive to repair.

The old town hall at Market Place has been closed to the public for two years due to health and safety issues.

Now campaigner Brian Smith-Stewart is calling for the council to consider other ways to find the money to keep the museum open.

At the latest full council meeting, he said: "We are asking the council to rethink what they are doing and not to sell the museum or the town hall.

"Margate is up and coming. Visitor numbers have gone up and the volunteers there are doing a fantastic job and perhaps money can be found in other ways."

The council plans to appeal to English heritage, the heritage lottery fund and arts council England for support to keep the sites open.

Bidders from community groups will be invited to submit their proposals early next spring.

Dickens House in Broadstairs and Tudor House are also on offer.

The Margate Museums Trust is expected to put in a bid to take over the museum and the Tudor House in King Street.

The outcome of the petition will be discussed at the next available cabinet meeting but a date has not yet been confirmed.