A bid to secure the future of museum (From Witney Gazette)

A bid to secure the future of museum

2:32pm Tuesday 8th July 2008 in Witney By David Horne

DETAILS were released today of one of the bids to secure the long-term future of Witney's Cogges Museum.

It has been put together by a steering committee, including local GP Dr Janet Maxwell, Oxford architect Anthony Pettorino, and creative enterprise consultant Janine Charles.

The Community Enterprise Bid would be formed in partnership with museum owners, Oxfordshire County Council, which has been facing running losses of £250,000 a year.

Among the bid proposals are a county craft centre, a farm shop, cafe with locally sourced food, a children's theatre and educational and rural projects. Among its backers are Cottsway Housing, the district's largest social housing landlord.

Ms Charles said: "Our scheme makes Cogges a place to visit, learn, have fun, shop for local produce, and enjoy the beautiful environment. Cogges belongs to the community, and we intend it to stay that way." The Community Enterprise is one of three bids under consideration by the county council, with a decision expected in August.

The museum faced a possible threat of closure late last year, but, under a rescue plan, the county is continuing funding on a diminishing scale for the next two years.