EARLS Cole Heritage Museum has secured a major six-figure funding boost.
The museum has been awarded £241,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, following a three-year campaign by trustees and supporters to secure its long-term future.
Witham MP Priti Patel has supported the museum's efforts since Earls Colne became part of her constituency after boundary changes.
She welcomed the funding and recently visited the site to meet chairman Gordon Brown and discuss the museum’s next steps.
Ms Patel said: "This is absolutely fantastic news for Earls Colne and a tremendous achievement for Gordon, the trustees, volunteers and everyone who has worked so hard over the last three years to secure the future of this wonderful museum.
"Since Earls Colne became part of the Witham constituency, I have been proud to support their campaign.
"When I first visited the museum, Gordon and the team spoke to me about the uncertainty surrounding the Water Tower and their determination to find a way to secure it for the future.
"I have continued to support them throughout this process, including following the disappointment of their previous funding application.
"Their perseverance has now paid off.
"This £241,000 investment means they can purchase the Water Tower, renovate this important historic building and transform the museum so that it can continue serving Earls Colne for decades to come."
The funding will support the museum’s Our Tower: Our Story project, which includes purchasing the Water Tower for £110,000, renovating the building, and reimagining the museum’s displays.
An earlier bid for funding was unsuccessful, but Ms Patel helped put the museum in contact with Debbie Thomas to provide further support and advice as the trustees developed their plans.
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The museum preserves and celebrates the history of Earls Colne and the surrounding area.
Ms Patel said: "Our local heritage matters enormously and Earls Colne has a rich and fascinating history which Gordon and his team have worked tirelessly to preserve.
"I am delighted to see their hard work recognised and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as they take forward this exciting new chapter for the museum."
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