Worcestershire has 'moral duty' in Elgar archives move

Research material relating to Sir Edward Elgar will be transferred to the British Library

Worcestershire has a "moral duty" to do what it can to keep the archives of Sir Edward Elgar, campaigners say.

The Elgar Foundation, responsible for historic documents from the English composer, wants to move the collection to the British Library in London.

But a councillor said the move "disregards" his connection to his home county.

The trustees of the Elgar Foundation claim the artefacts should be united with others at the British Library.

A petition has been started to try to ensure the documents remain in Worcestershire.

• Midlands Live: Lorry driver trapped in major crash; Anthems may hold clue to World Cup winners

Most of the archive, including research material; furniture; scores; photographs; scrapbooks; newspaper cuttings; and objects Elgar owned, is held at Elgar's birthplace, The Firs, in Broadheath.

The foundation said it wanted to protect its long-term future and believes its aim to promote Elgar across the world was "best met" by the library.

Campaigners want to see artefacts held in the Hive library, home of Worcestershire's archive service

But archivists and councillors said they wanted the collection to remain with the county's archaeology and archive service in The Hive.

Dr Adrian Gregson, from the service, said it had "widespread" support to keep the archive.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, from Worcestershire County Council, who began the petition, said the move "seems to disregard" Elgar's local connection.

Paul West, former chief constable of West Mercia Police, who now plays viola with Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra, added: "I believe we all have a moral duty to do whatever we can to protect it and to celebrate it."

On its website, the Elgar Foundation says: "The material still held in Worcestershire, though important, only realises the appreciation it deserves when considered alongside the more important material in the British Library - a clear case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts."