The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to consider a called-in decision regarding the permanent transfer of items from the Staffordshire County Museum collection. After extensive discussion, the committee agreed that the Cabinet Member decision to approve the permanent transfer should be implemented.

Permanent Transfer of Staffordshire County Museum Collection Items

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered a call-in of a decision made by Councillor Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, concerning the permanent transfer of items from the Staffordshire County Museum collection. The items in question are the Bass Brewery No. 9 Locomotive and the Director's Coach, which have been on loan to the National Brewery Centre in Burton-upon-Trent since 1978.

Councillor Conor Wileman, Leader of the Opposition, presented the reasons for the call-in, highlighting the significance of these assets to Burton's heritage and the community's concern over their permanent removal from the town. He referenced a letter from East Staffordshire Borough Council (ESBC) expressing reservations and suggesting a pause to explore alternative arrangements that would keep the assets in public ownership while awaiting a long-term solution in Burton.

Councillor Coles, the Cabinet Member responsible for the original decision, explained that the transfer was necessary to secure the long-term preservation and public access of these significant heritage items. She detailed the extensive efforts over approximately 14 months to find alternatives, including unsuccessful funding bids and the lack of an accredited museum solution within Burton. Councillor Coles emphasised that the council had a duty of care for the objects, which were showing signs of deterioration due to inadequate storage conditions and a lack of specialist expertise within the county council to care for such large industrial items. Officers confirmed that the items were exposed to pests, weather, and vandalism, and that their condition had noticeably worsened between August 2025 and April 2026.

During the committee's deliberation, members acknowledged the strong community attachment to the assets in Burton but also recognised the need for their preservation for future generations. The ongoing deterioration and inaccessibility of the items were key concerns. While the possibility of ESBC formulating an alternative arrangement was discussed, concerns were raised about the feasibility and timeline of such proposals, especially given the history of unresolved issues and failed funding applications.

Ultimately, the committee considered three recommendations:

1. To refer the decision back to Cabinet for a pause until the end of 2026 to explore alternatives with ESBC. This motion was lost.
2. To agree the decision, with continued liaison with East Staffordshire Borough Council. This motion was also lost.
3. To agree that the decision be implemented as set out in the original Cabinet Member decision notice.

Following a show of hands, this third recommendation was approved by the committee. Therefore, the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed that the Cabinet decision to approve the permanent transfer of the Bass Brewery No. 9 Locomotive and Director's Coach from the Staffordshire County Museum collection should be implemented.