Petition started to prevent closure of Captain Cook Birthplace Museum in Middlesbrough
Campaigners say it's an emblem of local heritage and pride
Campaigners are taking action to prevent the closure of the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum in Middlesbrough.
A petition has reached nearly 5,000 signatures of support as they say it is an 'emblem of local heritage and pride'.
It comes as Middlesbrough Council's inviting the public to have their say on budget proposals to save money.
Martin Peagam is Chair of the Captain Cook Birthplace Trust and he said: "The museum is known across the world. Captain Cook obviously had a big significance in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Sweden and all over the world. Visitors do come to Middlesbrough to visit the birth place of Captain Cook.
"In five years time, it'll be the 300th anniversary of Captain Cook's birth and we already know there'll be people coming from across the world to celebrate, debate and discuss the legacy of Cook in Middlesbrough. They'll arrive and find that there's no museum if it's closed.
"I think not having the museum at the birthplace of Captain Cook would be a missed opportunity in terms of tourism potential and investment but also, it'll send out a terrible message that Middlesbrough doesn't care for its most famous son.
"The Council are talking about relocating the content to the Dorman Museum. We don't believe there's enough space there and in any case, there's certainly not the space to have the number of galleries that would take you through Captain Cook's voyages in some detail. It's an exciting and interactive element especially for children."
Views sought on Middlesbrough Council budget proposals
Members of the public are invited have their say on Middlesbrough Council’s budget proposals for 2024-25.
A series of special events will be held at venues across the town this week to allow residents to find out more and put their views across.
Their input will form part of a consultation involving a range of stakeholders, before further consideration by the Council’s Executive and a final decision by full Council.
Residents are invited to attend events in the north, east, south and west of the town, while submissions on the proposals can also be made online.
This year’s budgetary process comes amid a challenging financial climate which will require the Council to find a further £6 million in savings to achieve a balanced budget.
Proposals include the introduction of fortnightly waste collections, charging for green waste collections and the potential closure or transfer to a new operator of the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum.
In addition to the impact on services, the cost-saving measures could result in a reduction of around 75 full-time equivalent posts at the authority.
At a meeting of the Executive to approve the consultation process, Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said he hoped as many people as possible would take part and make their voices heard.
And he outlined a series of ‘red line’ services which he will save:
• Area Care
• Community Safety
• Street lighting
• School crossing patrols
• Welfare rights
• Libraries and community hub
Mayor Cooke said: “We need to get social care onto a much more sustainable footing, and I believe that’s achievable.
“We also need to concentrate on the services that residents value most, and that’s why I’ve already set some red lines around areas which will not be affected.
“I welcome the start of this consultation – it’s an important opportunity for local people to give us their feedback, and their views will be take into account.”
Cllr Nicky Walker, the Council’s Executive member for Finance & Governance, added: “We’re working really hard alongside officers to avoid further Government intervention and that will benefit everyone in the longer term.
“By making tough choices now we can we safeguard our finances and protect services for the future.”
The consultation on Middlesbrough Council’s Budget Proposals for 2024-25 runs from until Thursday 18 January.
Members of the public are invited to attend one of four events at venues across the town:
- Monday 8th January, 6pm – 7.30pm – Newport Community Hub, St Pauls Road, TS1 5NQ
- Tuesday 9th January, 6pm – 7.30pm – Acklam Community Hub & Library, Acklam Road, TS5 7AB
- Wednesday 10th January, 6pm – 7.30pm – Hemlington Community Hub & Library, Crosscliff, TS8 9JJ
- Thursday 11th January , 6.30pm – 7.30pm – North Ormesby Community Hub & Library, Derwent Street, TS3 6JB
Residents will be able to register for the events or leave their feedback online.