THERE is a fear that returning the marbles to Greece will set a precedent for returning other artefacts and artworks to their countries of origin.
But Marbles Reunited spokesman Freddie New said: "The former Museums and Galleries Commission, now known as Resource, issued guidelines on good practice and they stated that repatriating artefacts should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
"There is no evidence that there is an increase in claims for items to be repatriated because of this publicity, so there is no reason to think that if they were returned it would open the floodgates for other artifacts to be requested by their countries of origin."
Lord Elgin, whose great-great-greatgrandfather originally brought the artworks out of Athens, has dismissed the move as politically motivated.
The 79-year-old said: "I don't know why councils are supporting this campaign but I can only think it is for political reasons.
"There's a general election in Greece at the moment so that is probably another reason why foreign politicians are trying to get the marbles back to Athens before the Olympics this year."
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