Hundreds back campaign to save museum

Buxton Museum, which has been closed since last June

An online petition calling for Buxton Museum to be saved from permanent closure has attracted more than 2,000 signatures.

The museum, run by Derbyshire County Council, was closed last June as the building has dry rot.

A business group called Vision Buxton is calling for the museum's artefacts to be displayed in another alternative building in the short-term.

Derbyshire County Council has said it remains committed to providing a museum for the town.

Vision Buxton chairman Roddie MacLean said: "We can't let the museum become a thing of the past.

"The museum is so much more than just a building and, as a town, we should come together to demand progress so that this important resource is not allowed to be lost."

The museum is based in the Peak Buildings on Terrace Road and has more than 40,000 artefacts and art works.

Chairman of Vision Buxton, Roddie MacLean, says the museum is more than "just a building"

Netta Christie, who founded Discover Buxton - which provides walking tours of the town - said the museum was an "invaluable tool" for telling the history of the town.

She said: "The closure of such an important town asset, not only robs the community of its understanding of a shared past, but actively prevents the hands-on learning that enables both adults and children to see and touch their heritage."

Chief executive of the Buxton Civic Association, Dave Green, said it was important people living in the town were kept in the picture.

He said: "There seem to be ideas and expertise that are being ignored. Without discussion and dialogue we can't help find a way forward, and the ongoing lack of communication is disrespectful to the citizens of the town."

Chairman of the Buxton Civic Association Dave Green says there should be communication

The building has structural problems and dry rot.

The council said an assessment of this dry rot was being done and when this had been completed, it would decide what steps to take.

A spokesperson said: "In case a move should be necessary, the museum team are working hard to prepare collections, and to develop an interim service that will see the staff and artefacts out in the community whilst the gallery spaces are closed.

"We remain committed to providing a museum in Buxton. The museum collections include well over 40,000 artefacts and artworks, so finding space that can house a collection of this size, as well as exhibition and gallery space, is challenging.

"We are keen to work with the people of Buxton to ensure that the museum service remains an asset for the town, and will be sharing our plans once they are further developed."

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