Local Councillors Terry Napper and George Steer have welcomed Somerset County Councils decision to spend £170,000 upon the Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury to assist in improving the museum.
The money will be used as the Councils contribution towards a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund which hopes to bring in a further £2.8 million in lottery and third party investment.
Terry Napper said "I am so pleased that the council has granted this funding to the museum. This allows the museum to go on and seek further funding which if approved will lead to an enhancement of the museum".
"The museum are now working on detailed plans which will propose new gallery layouts, visitor routes and the stories that will be told in the new museum. This will be being shaped by consultation with partners, visitors.
"The museum which welcomes 30,000 visitors a year has not been redevelopment since its opening in the 1970s. Accessibility is a key issue for the project as given its age, the museum is situated on various difficult levels. If approved the project will allow for a more user friendly environment to buggies and wheelchairs. However all will be done to keep the unique and special charm of the museum."
George Steer said "This truly is a partnership project. Mendip District Council, the Friends of the Rural Life Museum and other partners are coming together to improve an already first class facility."
Leader of Somerset County Council John Osman commented "The Council is delighted to invest in an important local museum. I am positive the Museum will be successful in their bid, which will bring even more visitors to Glastonbury and give a welcomed boost to the local economy."