From Kirklees to Croydon, some historic buildings English councils could sell

Local authorities are thinking of plugging budget shortfalls by raising millions selling off public assets

• Ministers' plan to push English councils to sell assets to plug budget holes condemned

For centuries councils have owned vast tracts of land and buildings. From the municipal palaces of Victorian England's biggest cities, to leisure centres, museums, and parks in towns and villages across the country.

In the deepest financial crisis to hit local government for decades, however, council leaders are warning they could be forced to sell millions of pounds worth of public assets to fill gaping budget shortfalls.