THE contents of Bromsgrove Museum, which closed in January, could be displayed in public areas around the town and county.

But Dennis Norton, who donated his collection of artefacts which forms the bulk of the exhibits, is unhappy about the idea and says he is considering taking legal action.

At a meeting of Bromsgrove District Council’s executive cabinet, a vote was taken over whether the museum could reopen at its current premises, in Birmingham Road.

Following discussions over declining visitor numbers and the need to deliver “value for money,” a majority of councillors agreed reopening was not a “sustainable option.”

Six options were put before councillors for consideration at the meeting.

Councillor Jill Dyer (Con-Drakes Cross and Walkers Heath) said the museum’s collection “encapsulates the history of Bromsgrove” and it was essential to find a way of displaying the various artefacts, particularly considering its educational benefits.

Councillors voted unanimously to consider a plan to keep the council as trustee of the Norton Collection Trust, but to change the deed’s requirements, allowing them to display parts of the collection in various public locations.

These include at the Council House in Burcot Lane, Customer Service Centre, in School Drive, or schools and libraries within the district.

Under the proposals, only artefacts which “further the objects of the trust,” would be kept. It was also pointed out that a suitable location to keep the artefacts in a good condition would need to be found.

Council leader Roger Hollingworth (Con-Alvechurch) said: “We have deliberated the future of Bromsgrove Museum extremely carefully, but due to the decline in visitors we can no longer subsidise it.

“We feel that given the lack of income generated by the trust in its current form, we have found an exciting, positive solution which provides a lifeline so the heritage can be enjoyed by schools and residents alike.”

The proposal was delegated to officers for further investigation and any final decision will be made at a future meeting of the full council in November.