The fightback against proposed council budget cuts has begun, with hundreds giving their support to save local authority-owned sites.

Hundreds of people have signed petitions launched to save Harrow Museum, in Headstone Manor, and Harrow Arts Centre, in Hatch End, from closure by Harrow Borough Council.

Earlier this month the council’s Labour administration announced possible cuts to save the authority £25 million in the next year and a total of £75 million over the coming three years.

Councillor Georgia Weston, who has backed the campaigns, said: “Harrow will become just one big housing estate on the edge of London with nothing for the community.

“The only places for arts, entertainment or culture are the museum and the arts centre but they are going to be cut and we will be left with nothing.”

Clare Goldschmidt, who is behind the petition for Harrow Arts Centr,e said: “I think what we would miss most if the arts centre was to close would be the fact it is a centre at the heart of the community.

“We don’t have an alternative really in Harrow and it would be sad to lose it.

“I think the community would be deprived as a result of its closure because it is a hub for the arts, education, sport and leisure."

Anne Swinson, of Hatch End Residents Association, said: “We fought to save this site in the 1980s and secured it for the arts centre.

“This is not just about Hatch End; this is an important place for the whole of the borough. We understand there has to be cuts but we are going to fight our corner.”

The council's cabinet member for finances Cllr Sachin Shah said: “I would say to campaigners that these proposals are not set in stone. No cuts have been decided.

“The fact is the council having to make these tough decisions because of government cuts. We have to cut £25million in the next budget and some services will be affected.

“We have been open and honest with people about what might be cut and there is still time for people we to have their say.”

A list of the other options to be cut by the council can be found here and those wanting to take part in the consultation can do so by clicking here.