Much-needed repairs are due to start at two publicly-owned museums to ensure the historic buildings are preserved.

Thanet District Council (TDC) has commissioned the essential works for Dickens House Museum, in Broadstairs, and Margate Museum to “bring them up to date”.

Contractors have started installing scaffolding on the Margate Museum and adjoining Old Town Hall to facilitate repairs to the roofs and joinery on both buildings.

It is expected to take around four weeks to complete and during that time, the path between the properties will be closed.

The Old Town Hall was built in 1897 and previously hosted the town’s magistrates court and police station. Since 1974, it has been used by the mayor and Margate charter trustees.

Once the remedial works are complete, contractors will then start on repairs to the roof of the Dickens House Museum, in Victoria Parade, Broadstairs.

The museum, which celebrates the celebrated author’s connection to the town, will stay open to the public until Sunday, November 3 before reopening for its planned Christmas events.

Cabinet member for regeneration and property at TDC, Cllr Ruth Duckworth, said: “Museums are really important to Thanet’s cultural and heritage offer.

“Each of our museums has its own unique displays, collections and stories, and together they play an important role in enriching our offer for residents and visitors.

“The planned repair works are the first step to bringing the museum buildings up to date, with the appropriate conditions for our important historical collections.”

Repairs are also planned for the Tudor House in Margate, to fix vandalism damage and at the Ramsgate Maritime Museum as part of the Levelling Up Fund scheme.