The future of Bourne Hall Museum took a significant step forward last night, after Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee backed a recommended £250,000 investment over two years for the venue.

Following the committee’s recommendation, a formal funding request and business case will now be prepared for the Strategy and Resources Committee to consider in July.

Other options put before the committee included maintaining current operations with no new funding; or closing the museum entirely.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said:

"Bourne Hall Museum is a much-valued cultural asset for our borough. Recent reviews have made it clear that for the museum to remain relevant and sustainable, we need to invest in its future.

"With Local Government Reorganisation on the horizon, ensuring a lasting legacy is more important than ever. Investing in Bourne Hall Museum will ensure that it continues to thrive, contributing to the wider cultural offering in East Surrey; preserving local heritage, and providing opportunities for learning and community engagement. I hope the Strategy and Resources Committee shares this vision."