North Somerset Museum Future Looking Bright

PLANS to safeguard the future of North Somerset Museum moved a step closer this week when North Somerset Council's Executive agreed the terms for transferring the ownership of the museum building.

Last month, the Executive agreed that the Museum Service should be run through a partnership between North Somerset Council, Weston-super-Mare Town Council and Somerset County Council possibly leading to the creation of a new Heritage Trust in 2012.

Councillors have now given the go ahead for the first stage of the transfer which could see the Museum building in the ownership of Weston Town Council by the end of 2010.

In common with councils across the country, North Somerset Council is facing the prospect of significant public spending cuts and is taking steps to secure the future of the museum, and other valued services by working in partnership with other organisations.

Over the past two years, North Somerset Council has worked hard to reduce the annual cost of providing the museum service from £244,000 to about £152,000 this year. The next step is to ensure that the service is sustainable in the longer term.

Under the proposals, the museum service may transfer through a joint arrangement to a new trust, formed from the heritage services of North Somerset Council and Somerset County Council.

This trust will be able to offer residents and visitors access to a more comprehensive set of collections and a wider pool of expertise.

Weston-super-Mare Town Council will maintain and improve the building as a venue for historic displays from the trust collection and develop the opening hours and facilities to create a vibrant venue for residents and visitors.

Council, leader Nigel Ashton, who has been heading up the work on the museum said: "Despite the many rumours, I was always confident that we would find the way forward for this important service.

"I am delighted that our discussions with the Town Council and Somerset County Council are progressing well and am confident that subject to the necessary approvals from all three councils on detailed proposals, we will be able to finalise details on the arrangements within the next six months.

"I am glad we have been able to substantially reduce costs as it's the only way the museum service will be sustainable in the long run, as we all know cuts in public funding are going to affect us all."