Derbyshire County Council's leader has said there is "absolute commitment" to supporting Buxton Museum and Art Gallery and securing the future of the service. 

The council-run museum and art gallery on Terrace Road was closed indefinitely last week following the discovery of dry rot in structural timbers and floor joists, which the authority says needs further investigations that cannot be carried out with the building open.  

While no timescale has been put on investigation and remedial work, the council says it is "likely to take some time" to complete, and alternative ways to deliver the service are currently being explored while the work is carried out.

Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said that although temporarily closing the building, which is part of the Peak Buildings complex, was very disappointing, he was determined the museum and its collections would be supported and was working with officers to ensure the future of the service in the longer term would be secured.

Cllr Lewis paid a visit to speak to affected staff earlier this week. 

He said: “Closing the museum and art gallery was a great disappointment but necessary so that this vital investigation work can be carried out. Until this is done we will not know the extent of the issues and what we are facing with regards to the building.

“However, there is an absolute commitment to supporting the museum and securing the long term future of its collections.

“This will not be easy but we will do all we can to protect this valuable asset which has so many benefits to the local community, residents of Derbyshire and much further afield.”

Derbyshire County Council says work is already under way to ensure the safe removal of artefacts and exhibits to suitable storage so that areas can be cleared for the in-depth structural investigations to begin.

Museum staff are working hard behind the scenes with colleagues from across the council to help with this, as well as ensuring the service continues to have a strong presence online.

The closure has led to the cancellation of the annual Open Art Exhibition, which was due to open later this month. 

While the museum is closed, people are being encouraged to go online and visit its main web page at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/buxtonmuseum which has a selection of information about collections, virtual exhibitions and a regular blog.

They can also follow the museum on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for updates. The addresses can be found on the main museum web page. 

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