27/05/2015

Steam Museum's Future Under Threat In Rochdale

The future of a steam museum in Manchester is under threat after an unexpectedly high utility bill.

The Ellenroad Engine House in Rochdale has said it cannot pay a yearly charge of £7,000 from United Utilities for surface water drainage.

The museum receives around £5,000 per annum from visitors and is maintained by the Ellenroad Trust.

The Chairperson for the museum, Zoe Renshaw, said: "We need to resolve this issue as soon as possible, or the north of England might lose this invaluable part of its history forever.

"We are directly appealing to United Utilities to enter in a serious discussion about how we can move forward and reach some kind of resolution."

United Utilities have since contacted the museum and said they will survey the site.

(LM)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

28 August 2015
United Utilities Begins Lifting Boil Water Notice In Lancashire
United Utilities has announced it is starting the process of lifting the boil water advice notice for some parts of Lancashire. Over 200,000 properties are still affected after the discovery of the cryptosporidium parasite at a water treatment works has left residents boiling water since the 6 August.
08 November 2012
£50m Museums And Galleries Boost Announced
Scotland’s museums and galleries are set to receive almost £50 million from the Scottish Government in 2013-14, the Culture Secretary has announced.
26 November 2009
Anglo-Saxon Gold Haul Tops £3m
Anglo-Saxon treasure recently unearthed in Staffordshire has been valued at £3.28 million, the British Museum has said. The independent Treasure Valuation Committee reached the figure for the largest collection of treasure ever found after meeting at the museum.
24 June 2010
United Utilities Steps Up Its Drought Action Plan
With no rain in sight and reservoir levels continuing to fall, United Utilities may soon need access to more of the North West's water resources and has applied to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.
07 July 2010
Hose Ban In Water Shortage Alert
While United Utilities has today announced a hosepipe ban to take effect from Friday at 6.00am, the water watchdog, the Consumer Council for Water said this is not enough. It expects the company to deliver a high quality customer service, and to continue to keep customers well informed.