Plans to safeguard the future of North Somerset Museum
Service could move a step closer next month when the council’s
Executive meets to discuss its future.
In a proposal to be presented to the Executive on Tuesday 8
June, the Museum Service would be run through a partnership between
ourselves, Weston-super-Mare Town Council and Somerset County
Council which might lead to the creation of a new Heritage Trust in
2012.
In common with councils across the country, we
are facing the prospect of significant public spending cuts
and are 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, we have 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 would transfer through a
joint arrangement to a new trust, formed from the heritage services
of North Somerset Council and Somerset County Council. This trust
would be able to offer residents and visitors access to a more
comprehensive set of collections and a wider pool of expertise.
The Burlington Street site, however, would not transfer to the
trust. Instead, the responsibility for the current museum premises
would pass to Weston-super-Mare Town Council which would aim to
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.
Leader of the Council Cllr 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 have proved so productive, and am confident
that, subject to the necessary approvals from all three councils,
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.”
Speaking on behalf of Weston Town Council, its leader Cllr
Pauline Priestman said: “I am sure this news will be welcomed by
the many people who enjoy visiting the museum, and I am pleased
that the Town Council is able to play its part in the future of the
museum.”
Cllr Christine Lawrence, cabinet lead for Community Services at
Somerset County Council, said: “I am delighted that Somerset County
Council is working with North Somerset Council to explore this
proposed way forward. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop
partnership working.”
The proposed arrangements would also lead to further development
of the museum service including much needed building repairs and
refurbishment, relocation of collections and curatorial service,
National Lottery and other external funding bids, and gallery
refurbishment.
Copies of the report going to the Executive on Tuesday 8
June are available.
