Historic rockery formations in the borough have been saved from any possible demolition after receiving Grade II listing.

The Friends of Bromley Town Parks and Gardens applied for the rocks, in the Civic Centre grounds in Stockwell Close, Bromley, to be listed so they would be protected from any building work.

The group feared the two artificial rockery formations would have been demolished as part of Bromley Council's plan to redesign the town centre, which could have involved building on the sites.

The Friends chairman, Tony Banfield, said: "There seemed to be a real threat they would be demolished as part of the council's redevelopment plans.

"They were proposed as possible sites for building on, the implication being the rockery would be demolished.

"But the council has responded to our objections to that aspect of the plan and have said buildings would take place on sites of existing buildings, and green space would be retained, including the rockery."

The rockeries were created by Victorian gardening firm James Pulham and Son in 1865.

The site was formerly the park of Bromley Palace, the manorial seat of the Bishop of Rochester from the 12th century until 1845.

Mr Banfield added: "Listing of the Pulham Rockeries only strengthens the need to ensure their protection and that of their historic setting in the grounds of historic Bromley Palace and ability for concerned groups like ourselves to see this happens.

"The listed status now, at least, means the council is under a legal obligation to ensure their protection and preservation for the future as well as that of their settings."

The Friends are due to meet with Bromley Council conservation officers to discuss restoration work.

Mr Banfield said: "Work will need to attend to the upper pool of the waterfall, which is full of holes and does not retain water.

"Water won't cascade down to the lower pool.

"The pools need relining, and there needs to be draining facilities so they can be cleaned out "Also some rocks are split open by trees that have grown up and need to be repaired."

Bromley Council has been asked to comment.