by Martin Jefferies

A Ramsgate museum has been thrown a lifeline by top councillors who decided it should be allowed to open during the busy summer season.

The Maritime Museum at the town’s Royal Harbour closed in November last year when Thanet council pulled a vital cash grant.

Councillors claimed the attraction was not popular enough and said running costs of around £10 per visitor were unsustainable.

But the authority has now agreed in principle to lease the iconic ‘Clock Tower’ building and the neighbouring Smeaton Dock to the Steam Museum Trust - an organisation that stepped in earlier this year in an effort to save the museum and dozens of historic treasures.

A final decision approving the move cannot be made until early August, when cabinet members meet to finalise the latest stage of the council’s asset management programme. The Clock Tower was one of the buildings originally earmarked for disposal.

Cllr Roger Latchford, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development at Thanet council, said: “We’re aware that the museum is a valuable asset for Thanet, both as a visitor attraction and for the historical importance of the exhibitions it holds.

“We look forward to seeing it back in business again.”

The Steam Museum Trust plans to update the Maritime Museum galleries over the next three years and is hoping to provide a café and an improved gift shop.

It also hopes to restore the nearby tug Cervia, which could eventually open to the public.