An appeal for funding to help secure the future of Alton’s Curtis Museum has been made by one of the town’s district councillors.

Hampshire County Council’s financial problems have led to a planned reduction in its support for cultural services - meaning those which rely entirely on the county council for their funding, such as the Curtis Museum, are at risk of closure.

Cllr Emily Young, who represents the Alton Westbrooke ward on East Hampshire District Council, hopes the district council, Alton Town Council and local charities can find some money to help.

She said: “Hampshire County Council’s £175 million budget shortfall is putting vital services under pressure - including support for our cultural and community spaces.

“Alton is steeped in history, and the Curtis Museum - a historic building in the heart of town - is the best place to experience it.

“I sincerely hope local funding can be found to take the Curtis Museum off the danger list. Once places like this are lost, they’re almost impossible to recover. Our town’s story deserves to be preserved and shared for generations to come.”

Paul Sapwell, chief executive of the Hampshire Cultural Trust, which runs the Curtis Museum, said: “The Curtis Museum was named in Hampshire County Council’s 2024 budget consultation as being at risk of closure due to a cut to our grant, which will take effect in 2027.

“The museum is still at risk, but a final decision has not been made on its future. Rising costs, including inflation and employer national insurance contributions, mean the level of ongoing funding needed to keep it open is increasing. The museum runs at a deficit each year and does not benefit from any ongoing financial support from the town or district councils.

“The building is owned by Hampshire County Council, who are responsible for its long-term maintenance, and we are working with them to assess the full cost of this support. But this is not just about keeping it going, the museum needs investment to remain relevant and viable.

“I want to make it clear that we do not want to close the Curtis Museum. Alton’s local history is a vital part of cultural life of the town, and we are keen to talk to any local group or partner who wants to work with us to help secure investment and keep it open.”

Cllr Young also shared her thoughts on how the museum could be improved if money to keep it running beyond 2027 is obtained.

She said: “There is also the challenge of a local museum, what's the ‘draw’ to bring in visitors from out of Alton? This would need to be thought through.

“Personally though, I go there with my children and they absolutely love it. It's got a natural charm and houses some really local knowledge, like the Alton Buckle, that you just wouldn't be able to browse elsewhere.

“Alton is incredibly historic but not brilliant at publicising this. It feels like the Curtis Museum would be an opportunity to really house local knowledge and history - for example, Alton was mentioned as having a valuable market in the Domesday Book, various kings visited and the Treaty of Alton was signed here. The Battle of Alton in the Civil War was fought here.

“We know about the Jane Austen heritage, but there is a lot more rich historical heritage that isn't properly surfaced. It could be somewhere to attract medieval and Civil War interest groups on a more regular basis. For families, the Curtis Museum is a safe space in the centre of town for them to run around in and explore, perhaps learning something as well.

“I would love to see it regenerated and become a central attraction and utilised local space in the heart of Alton. Also it could be used more by local schools, but does need some redesigning as the galleries are too narrow for a full school class at the moment.”

A spokesperson for East Hampshire District Council said: “East Hampshire District Council is always willing to support local cultural heritage and we will contact the Curtis Museum to discuss what help we can provide.

“In the past couple of years we have allocated around £535,000 of developer contributions to the Allen Gallery and more recently we allocated a Rural Grant of £46,000 to help fund Alton's Regency Memorial Garden and the sculpture of Jane Austen.

“The council runs a variety of funding schemes which organisations can apply for through our website. Although this money cannot be used to support revenue expenditure, it can help pay for new projects and services.”

Alton Town Council town clerk Tom Horwood said: “I am not aware that Alton Town Council has been asked to contribute funding. In the first instance, our grants and their criteria are available on our website.”