Visitors flock to threatened museum

As revealed in the Yorkshire Post yesterday, visitors to Malton Museum have rocketed, with numbers growing from 377 people last July and August to 1,800 during the same period this year.

Now, museum chiefs claim it is proof they are receiving “more support than ever”, with visitors offering generous donations in a bid to keep it open.

chairman of Malton Museum Foundation David Lloyd-Williams said: “The fact the visitor numbers are up proves there is a demand there. We are trying to do everything we can to save the museum and we are currently looking for new premises, at the same time we are having to make arrangements for the collection, which is quite considerable.

“There’s a big feeling of sadness, frustration and annoyance.However, everyone has been extremely supportive and we are overwhelmed with the kind comments we have had from visitors.”

Mr Lloyd-Williams put the soaring numbers down to the recent decision to scrap admission fees, as well as it being the last chance for visitors to see one of its longest-running exhibitions, which will close on Sunday.

However despite its soaring success, the museum, in the town’s Market Place, will close its doors for good next February following Ryedale District Council’s decision not to renew the building’s lease.

The museum currently sublets the property from the council for a nominal fee and the authority pays an annual fee of around £16,000 to the building’s owners, the Fitzwilliam Estate.

However, the lease runs out at the end of next March and the museum cannot afford to foot the bill, meaning closure is the only option.

It has applied for Lottery grants to help it find new premises but so far without success.