RUMOURS circulating that Bewdley Museum will close down and the Jubilee Gardens will be built upon are not true, Wyre Forest District Council has assured.

The council has spoken out to quash rumours and also to confirm that an independent trust will be set up to take over the running of the assets as part of its cost-cutting Localism agenda.

It follows criticism of the plan from local community groups, who raised concerns over the future viability of such a trust, and from district MP Mark Garnier, who described it as a "dumb idea".

Councillor Helen Dyke, deputy leader and cabinet member for Localism, said: "We are aware of rumours circulating about the future of the museum and we want to make sure that everyone has the full facts.

"The rumours are unfounded and irresponsible. They are causing unnecessary concern and distress to the dedicated staff who work at the museum.

“People have been saying the museum is going to close and that the gardens are going to be built on. This is not the case.

“The council is determined to support the trust to make it a success, so that the museum has a sustainable future and continues to be available to local residents and visitors alike.

"More than 200,000 people a year visit the site and we expect the trustees to build on the solid track record that the council and its excellent staff have created over many years.”

The decision was taken last November to start the process of setting up a museum trust, which will also take over responsibility for the Guildhall and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens.

A recruitment process to appoint the trustees is expected to start later this month.

Wyre Forest Council expects to remain the major funding source for the new trust and a future grant support package will be negotiated once the trustees have been appointed. However, the trustees will be responsible for increasing income generation at the site.

Councillor Graham Ballinger, leader of the council, said: "We are having to consider this and many other changes to how we deliver services as a direct result of a decade of government decisions to reduce funding for local government.

"Many other councils have successfully put in place trusts to run heritage and cultural facilities such as museums, art galleries and theatres.

"This is a well-trodden path to make sure that important assets and facilities can continue in a sustainable way, drawing on local support and volunteers.

“Our published cabinet report sets out our plans clearly. We would encourage everyone to read this before commenting on or criticising what we are doing.

"These are important facilities for the town and as stated we expect to be the main source of funding for the museum, providing a grant of hundreds of thousands of pounds a year.

"While we would welcome a financial contribution from Bewdley Town Council we are not suggesting they should shoulder the financial burden in full. That has never been the case."