Thousand of items could be lost to Wisbech as museum suffers financial crisis
For the first time in 100 years adults will be charged £5 on entry
The chairman of a museum in Wisbech says items - such as the original handwritten manuscript of the Great Expectations - could be lost if it doesn't start charging visitors.
An annual fee for adults is being introduced at Wisbech and Fenland Museum in May - to help make up a shortfall of £60,000.
For the first time in 100 years adults will be charged £5 on entry, which buys a season ticket to return free each subsequent visit within the year.
Under-16s and anyone in full-time education will continue to be admitted free.
Museum chairman Steve McGregor said: “Quite simply, even with admission charges, we can't survive in our present form beyond this financial year."
"We have won one-off grants for capital projects like the recent magnificent refurbishment, but we can't use a penny of that money to keep the lights on, our collections curated or staff paid.
"To keep going after April 2024 we need businesses with local customers and employees, charities and individuals who recognise the treasure we have and what damage its loss would do to the town to join our new Patrons' Scheme by pledging £1200 or £600 a year, paid monthly or annually.
"And for most people who can't spare that much but could afford to commit £5, £10 or £20 per month to keep a precious resource for the whole community, please join our Supporters Circle.”
When the Museum lost its annual Fenland District Council grant five years ago, it was saved from closure by supporters who pledged a total of £35,000 each year for five years through its Refounders Scheme.
But that Scheme's time is up and the new subscription schemes will need to almost double what it produced.