Berwick Museum closure threat raised in House of Commons

10.30.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Oct 2006

The threat to close Berwick's Borough Museum has been raised in the House of Commons by Alan Beith M.P.

In a debate on the Local Government and Planning Bill Mr. Beith asked whether new government plans on community ownership and management of public facilities could be used to protect the museum for future generations.

Communities Minister Phil Woolas confirmed that this was a possibility, and said there was "better news" because a new community ownership review would be putting forward an action plan for new forms of management for assets like parks and museums.

Alan comments "It is not clear whether these proposals will be ready in time to prevent the Conservatives from closing Berwick's museum - urgent action is needed to put together alternative plans to protect and improve our museum facilities."