Museum meeting
THE proposed closure of Kinneil Museum will be the subject of a public meeting called by Bo'ness Community Council.
Local residents can have their say on Falkirk Council's proposal on Wednesday, March 8, as the community council has arranged a meeting in the large room above the library for 7pm.
The council has indicated that closure of the Kinneil facility is necessary to support the running costs of a refurbished Hippodrome Cinema, writes Allan Scott.
Officials have been invited to attend the meeting to explain their decision, ratified by the environment and heritage committee last month.
Residents are up in arms that Roman artefacts on display at Kinneil are to be shipped out to Callendar House at Falkirk.
Bill Bruce, chairman of Bo'ness Community Council, said: "A number of groups and individuals within the town have expressed concern at the closure plans for Kinneil Museum.
"We're asking representatives from Falkirk Council to come along and explain their position.''
He added: "Ian Scott, from Falkirk Local History Society, has also agreed to give a historical
perspective on the Kinneil area.
"The community council is there to represent the views of the local community and I hope people from all sides will attend.
"Bo'ness people are proud of their rich heritage and I think Falkirk Council should recognise their views and aspirations before making a final decision."
Meanwhile an on-line survey on the www.bo-ness.org website has come out strongly in favour of retaining Kinneil Museum, with 90 per cent of voters against removal of artefacts to Falkirk.
Webmaster Rob Willox said: "An overwhelming majority are in favour of the retention of Kinneil Museum. Quite clearly Falkirk Council has got it wrong."
An Historic Scotland spokeswoman said attaining World Heritage Status for the Antonine Wall site could see thousands of tourists heading to Bo'ness.
The future of Birkhill Fireclay is also under review. The council is re-examining its heritage and
culture strategy and the fireclay mine, operated by the council and which attracts around 10,000
visitors each year, could be a
target.
But a spokeswoman for Falkirk Council said: "There are no plans to close Birkhill fireclay mine."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Linlithgow
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South west
