A museum preserving Marlow’s heritage has been temporarily saved from closure after thousands of pounds were scraped together for urgent repairs - but more cash is needed to bring it out of the woods volunteers say.

Last month it was revealed that the Marlow Museum, on Pound Lane, needed £4,000 to repair the heating system which is crucial in maintaining the museum’s artefacts, leaving a question mark over the future of the history centre.

Volunteers were forced to dip in to reserve funds to completely replace the unit, which came as a huge blow to the charity as it already has to gather around £12,000 a year towards running the small building.

Chairman, Mike Hyde, said: “Whilst the museum had not budgeted for this, the unit had to be replaced quickly to prevent damage to artefacts.

“So after counting the ‘house keeping’ money an order was placed and over two days last week the new unit was installed.

“Thus the day was saved but not before several vulnerable objects had been removed for safe keeping.

“No lasting damaged appears to have been done except perhaps to the charity’s bank balance and our essential

reserves.”

This is not the first time the museum has battled financial troubles, after it almost closed down in 2012 due to struggles raising £16,000 towards rent.

This has driven Mr Hyde to send out another plea to residents and organisations to donate whatever they can to the museum - which has served families for seven years - as the future remains uncertain.

However Mr Hyde said he is pleased to announce the quick repairs mean the new exhibition on Sir General Higginson can officially open on Friday, April 29 at 10:30.

He said: “A number of members and supporters stepped forward with donations and feelers are still out in order to replace the unexpected expenditure.”

“We are very grateful to our supporters and for the speedy work by our contractors Risby’s. It means that a warm welcome now awaits visitors to the museum’s current exhibition.”

If anyone is interested in making a donation to the Marlow Museum then contact Mike Hyde on michaelahyde@uwclub.net