Optimism that museum will re-open in 2017

The autumn closure of Fleetwood Museum at the end of the season coincided with Lancashire County Council’s final confirmation that it would no longer be funding five museums, various libraries and children’s centres from now on, due to huge cut backs.

There were fears at one stage that Fleetwood Museum, on Queens Terrace, might not be able to re-open for the new season in March 2017.

But there is confidence that the rescue plan mounted for Fleetwood Museum will be a success.

Fleetwood Town Council’s detailed business plan to take over the running of the closure-threatened facility has been given the thumbs up by Lancashire County Council, with negotiations set to continue.

The council is raising £66,000 from a small rise in precept payment from Fleetwood’s council tax payers.

Keith Porter, chairman of Fleetwood Museum Trust, the group of museum volunteers, said this week: “We are closed for the season now but I am confident we will re-open next year.

“Together with the financial backing of Fleetwood Town Council, Fleetwood Museum Trust is the approved applicant to continue with the running of the museum next year.

“Over the next few months many meetings and discussions will take place to hopefully sort a smooth transition from LCC to the Trust to run it - and from Wyre Council to the Trust for the lease of the building.

“I am optimistic that we will re-open next year.”