"Museum's fate is linked to that of the town" - Goldsworthy

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 1st Dec 2005

Local MP Julia Goldsworthy has met with the Director of Falmouth Maritime Museum, Jonathan Griffin, following fears about the museum's future financial viability.

The meeting follows the news that the mooted harbour-side redevelopment which would have attracted more visitors to Falmouth will not now go ahead.

Miss Goldsworthy believes that the long-term fate of the museum is inextricably linked to that of the town, and that the failed harbour-side redevelopment represented a golden opportunity for Falmouth to emerge as the leading tourist destination in Cornwall.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy said:

"The Maritime Museum is a flagship building in Falmouth and is a project that cannot be allowed to fail. According to the Director, funding is now in place, which will mean the museum will not close in the short term. However, for the museum to be a success in the longer term it is essential that Falmouth attracts greater visitor numbers. This will only be done if every opportunity to improve the town is seized upon.

"For example, in order to accommodate the bigger cruise ships it is vital that the docks are dredged and a new passenger terminal built. Railway links to the town are also in great need of improvement and I am very disappointed to hear the planned passing loop in the Truro to Falmouth branch line has been downgraded as a priority by the Government of the South-West.

"I will continue to campaign for better transport links, but will also work with local authorities to try and generate the vision and political will to drive through necessary change for the better."