A Sidcup man has expressed his concern with Bexley Council as he fears Sidcup Manor House will be “flogged off.”

The council recently revealed plans to review the future use of the iconic landmark and move its registration service over to Danson House, in Danson Park– situated on the edge of the borough.

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Sidcup Manor House - picture by Derek Hope

Derek Hope, a retired wedding photographer, said: "It would be a shame to see Sidcup Manor House, the host to thousands of weddings over the years, wasted for the good of the community.

“It’s a fine Georgian building and I'm concerned that is likely to be flogged off by the council.

“While Danson House is a nice wedding setting, if all the registration services were held there, it's a long walk from the nearest bus stop for people without transport wishing to register births and deaths.

“Sidcup is on the edge of Bexley and not very central for people living in the north of the borough.”

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Danson House - picture by Derek Hope

Bexley Council is waiting for approval to update the Conservation Management Plan for Sidcup Manor House – needed before seeking expressions of interests in the property.

Cabinet Member Cllr Peter Craske said: “We know that Sidcup Manor House is a much loved local landmark and we are keen to see its future secured.

News Shopper: Councillor Peter Craske

Peter Craske

“We want to find a use for the house that preserves its historic character and which ensures that it makes a positive contribution to the town’s economy.

“We are working hard to focus our resources on essential services and those priority areas that will have the maximum benefit to our residents.”