A PETITION has been launched calling for the archives of composer Edward Elgar to be kept in Worcestershire.

The Elgar Foundation, responsible for the archives, recently decided to move them to the British Library in London from the Elgar Birthplace Museum in Broadheath.

The petition has been launched by county councillor Lucy Hodgson, and a letter backing the petition and signed by MPs and eminent supporters of Elgar appeared in the Times on Saturday.

Cllr Hodgson says the collection should be based at the Hive, under the care of Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service.

She said: "We don't want to lose these archives and we are very disappointed by the foundation's decision to relocate them over 100 miles away to London.

"Elgar was born here in Worcestershire and died here and this county was the inspiration behind most of his music.

"We really hope as many people as possible will support our petition and hope that the Foundation will listen and keep these archives where they belong."

The Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra, originally established with the help of Sir Edward Elgar over 100 years ago, recently performed his Cello Concerto in St Martin’s Church, Worcester, under the baton of musical director Keith Slade with Worcester’s own Richard Jenkinson as soloist.

Mr Slade said: "Elgar is a huge part of our heritage in Worcestershire, he was born here, he lived here and died here and, in the words of his daughter Carice, Worcestershire was everything to him.

"The emotional experience of studying his scores whilst been surrounded by the elements that inspired Elgar to compose these great works is hugely powerful.

"The petition calls on the trustees of the Elgar Foundation to meet with representatives from the county council, the university and other interested parties to revisit their decision as soon as possible and to consider that the archives are moved instead to the Hive."

Paul West, the former chief constable of West Mercia Police, who plays viola in the Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra, said: "Worcestershire is a county that is rich in history and heritage of all types.

"I believe we all have a moral duty to do whatever we can to protect it and to celebrate it, not only for our own generation but also for the generations to come."

To sign the petition, visit change.org/p/the-elgar-foundation-keep-the-edward-elgar-archives-here-in-worcestershire.