THERE was much discussion surrounding the future operation of Lawrence House Museum at the June 18 meeting of Launceston Town Council.

Following the recent resignation of curator Jake Jackson, the town council resolved that a working party be set up to consider future arrangements for the museum.

The working party agreed that councillors would work in the museum to gain an overview throughout the current season and this would include Saturday openings; the museum mentor to be requested for input on the salary scales and types of post suitable for the museum; and the vacancy be filled in time for the 2020 season.

At the town council meeting, councillors were asked to consider a number of points – to agree whether the operation of the museum should be undertaken as part of a paid post; agree the responsibilities for the day to day operation of the museum and the necessary line management of the site during the interim period until such time as any post is filled; to agree the reporting of actions required at the site; and to consider if the council wishes to be involved in a forthcoming workshop regarding museum development.

Kicking off the discussions, Cllr Paul O’Brien said the difficulty of instigating a paid post is that the council has not budgeted for such a cost.

“Had we budgeted for it, fair enough, but to start an additional cost? There may be one or two people out there who would consider it on a volunteer basis.”

Mayor, Cllr Dave Gordon said it had not been budgeted for but details of salary scales can be obtained and the council could agree on finances in November for 2020/21.

Cllr John Conway said: “I agree with that [Cllr O’Brien’s comments] entirely. This is something very important. We must live within our means. We haven’t budgeted for a paid post within the museum. If they can fulfill a paid post within the budget or they’ve got funding, great, but if it’s got to be funded by the rate payers of this town, it needs to be properly considered by the council.”

Cllr Conway feared in time he would switch on his television for the local news and instead of a feature on Falmouth and its council tax hike, he would see Launceston on it.

“Until there’s a proper budget I will be voting against it.”

Cllr Rob Tremain said: “I don’t think we’re in a position to say yeah or nay at the minute.”

Cllr Tremain said the council tried to get details from the former curator about moving on, but it didn’t happen as they hoped it would, adding: “Now is our chance to get it right.”

Cllr Margaret Young said she has carried out lots of work in the museum over recent weeks, and said: “It’s obvious that they need a leader. They need someone who is going to be overviewing the work in the museum. The work the volunteers do is amazing. It works like a well oiled machine.

“I think we need to consider quite openly how we go forward for the sake of us keeping what is called a little gem open.”

Cllr John Harris said: “The building itself eats money. We, as a council, are taking on so many things that need to be paid for, including maintenance. I agree we aren’t in a position to make any financial commitment to the museum until we look at all avenues.”

It was proposed by Cllr O’Brien to defer this back to the museum committee to explore in greater depth, and to come back to the full council with their findings. This was seconded by Cllr Conway and was carried.

Regarding the day to day operation of the museum, it was proposed that Launceston Town Council office staff would liaise with the museum operations team. If decisions need to be made, any details would be sent out to town councillors, as trustees of the museum.

Councillors also agreed to take part in the museum development workshop.