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. The committee ultimately agreed to implement the original decision, which involved the transfer of these items to an accredited museum.

Permanent Transfer of Staffordshire County Museum Collection Items

The committee considered a decision to approve the permanent transfer of items from the Staffordshire County Museum collection, specifically a Bass Saddle Tank Locomotive and a Director's Coach. These items, originally donated in the late 1960s, had been on a long-term loan to the National Brewery Centre in Burton upon Trent since 1978. Following the closure of the National Brewery Centre in 2022, the items' condition had deteriorated due to a lack of adequate care and protection.

Councillor Conor Wileman, speaking on behalf of those who called in the decision, expressed concern that the permanent transfer would mean these significant heritage assets would no longer be seen in Burton. He argued for further discussion and consideration, suggesting that options for better protection at their current location or integration into a future museum celebrating Burton's brewing heritage had not been fully explored. He highlighted a letter from East Staffordshire Borough Council (ESBC) which expressed reservations about the permanent transfer and supported an alternative approach allowing time for collaboration between the borough and county councils to explore options for keeping the assets in public ownership while ensuring their maintenance and display.

Councillor Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, explained that the decision was not about the importance of Burton's brewing heritage, but about ensuring the long-term preservation and public access to these significant heritage assets. She detailed the extensive efforts made over 14 months to explore alternatives, noting that previous attempts to secure funding, including a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, had failed. Councillor Coles emphasised the deteriorating condition of the locomotive and coach, citing officer reports and photographs that indicated a risk of further degradation, potentially beyond repair, if not relocated soon. She stated that Staffordshire County Council, as the statutory owner, had a duty of care and lacked the necessary facilities and expertise to house and maintain such large industrial items.

During the discussion, members debated the urgency of the situation, the potential for further deterioration, and the possibility of a short pause to allow for discussions with ESBC. Councillor Philip White, Leader of the Opposition, proposed a compromise: accepting the decision to proceed with the transfer but prioritising any viable offer from ESBC to fund the safeguarding of the assets at an accredited museum while a long-term solution for their retention in Burton was considered.

However, Councillor Ian Cooper argued against further delays, highlighting that the issue had been known for years and that previous administrations had not made a decision. He likened the situation to a drowning person, where delaying a decision on the life jacket would lead to the asset deteriorating further. He proposed agreeing to implement the original decision as set out in the decision notice.

Ultimately, after considerable debate and a show of hands, the committee agreed to implement the original decision. This decision means the permanent transfer of the locomotive and coach to an accredited museum will proceed, with the aim of ensuring their preservation and specialist care. While the committee acknowledged the desire for the items to remain in Burton, the immediate need for preservation and the lack of suitable facilities within the county council were key factors in the decision. The committee also agreed to continue liaising with East Staffordshire Borough Council throughout the process.