The first museums have been given “community asset” status under the Localism Bill, which was passed last November.
Uttlesford District Council has listed Saffron Walden Museum, Great Dunmow Maltings and Museum and Ashdon Village Museum, while North Hertfordshire Council has listed Charnwood House, which until 2011 housed the Hitchin Museum.
Under the Localism Bill, if 21 members of the public nominate a community asset, including museums, galleries, gardens and lakes, the local authority will consider whether or not it meets the criteria for a listing.
If a listed community asset is to be sold, the sale is subject to a six-week period during which the community group can submit a bid to buy it.
Carolyn Wingfield, curator of Saffron Walden Museum, said: “[The nomination] is a real boost to the museum and staff. It raises our profile and confirms that the service and collections are valued by the local community.”
The Department for Communities and Local Government is encouraging communities to nominate assets, and is offering up to £100,000 in feasibility grants to help the development of investment proposals for community assets.
Margaret Eddleston, president of Hitchin Bridge Club, whose members nominated Hitchin Museum, said: “If you value the assets in your community, whether it’s a museum or a playing field, register them now before the council makes any plans for them.”
http://mycommunityrights.org.uk/
Uttlesford District Council has listed Saffron Walden Museum, Great Dunmow Maltings and Museum and Ashdon Village Museum, while North Hertfordshire Council has listed Charnwood House, which until 2011 housed the Hitchin Museum.
Under the Localism Bill, if 21 members of the public nominate a community asset, including museums, galleries, gardens and lakes, the local authority will consider whether or not it meets the criteria for a listing.
If a listed community asset is to be sold, the sale is subject to a six-week period during which the community group can submit a bid to buy it.
Carolyn Wingfield, curator of Saffron Walden Museum, said: “[The nomination] is a real boost to the museum and staff. It raises our profile and confirms that the service and collections are valued by the local community.”
The Department for Communities and Local Government is encouraging communities to nominate assets, and is offering up to £100,000 in feasibility grants to help the development of investment proposals for community assets.
Margaret Eddleston, president of Hitchin Bridge Club, whose members nominated Hitchin Museum, said: “If you value the assets in your community, whether it’s a museum or a playing field, register them now before the council makes any plans for them.”
http://mycommunityrights.org.uk/
