RNLI seafront museum shuts for £1m repair work

The building housing the museum has suffered chronic damp problems

A heritage museum has packed away a number of exhibits as it prepares for £1m repair work to its damp building.

The RNLI Henry Blogg Museum in Cromer, Norfolk, has been shut to allow for work to be completed at its Rocket House site.

Jacqui Palmer, RNLI heritage development manager, said: "Despite there being so much to do in September to move and store our collection safely, we can't wait for next year."

The building has had chronic damp problems caused by storm surge flooding, causing risks to artefacts and people's health.

The museum and cafe is located on Cromer beach, next to the lifeboat station

The HF Bailey lifeboat, which was used for lifesaving rescues by Henry Blogg, will be moved into specialist storage later this month.

Coxswain Henry Blogg was the charity's most decorated volunteer and carried out 387 rescues and helped save 873 lives between 1894 and 1947.

The RNLI had tried to find a new location and earlier this year it said it would terminate its lease of the seafront museum and cafe, which opened in 2006.

However, the local council approved a short-term lease agreement until 31 October and agreed to pay for repairs.

Tim Adams, leader of North Norfolk District Council, said the museum has had a successful summer.

He said: "We've committed to now carrying out the necessary works and repairs on the Rocket House building to enable the public to enjoy this excellent local attraction when the museum re-opens in 2025."