THE Ministry of Defence has been urged to ensure plans for a museum commemorating the efforts of Spitfire pilots in the Second World War are not delayed because of the recession.

Harrow Council said uncertainty over the future of the site of RAF Bentley Priory risked a “crucial piece” of history being mothballed, and urged the Government to stump up the necessary funds.

Bentley Priory, in Stanmore, north London, was the headquarters of Fighter Command and played a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain in 1940.

The site, which closed in May last year, was bought by development company VSM Estates with the intention of converting the mansion into luxury apartments with a Battle of Britain education and heritage centre but this now looks in doubt.