THE manager of Wycombe Museum has been appointed to lead the County Museum’s transfer into trust status.

Richard de Peyer, who has managed Wycombe Museum for two and a half years, will steer the County Museum’s move from Buckinghamshire County Council to under the control of an independent charitable trust.

BCC says the move, which has been discussed for the last two years, would enable the trust to raise vital funds from grant-making sources currently not available to local authorities.

Mr de Peyer said: "I'm look forward to building on sound foundations at the county museum and making closer connections with partners and stakeholders to create a community focused museum.

“The move to trust status later this year will have huge benefits for local involvement and activity, and it will offer genuine cost savings at a time of stringency - a tough agenda, but one I feel confident we can achieve.”

Up to ten trustees are now being sought to form a board, which will support the management team in its decision making.

Cllr Martin Phillips, BCC’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said the council would continue to be the museum’s primary funder for the ‘foreseeable future’.

He added: “Trust status will be a fantastic opportunity for the museum to extend its fund-raising, realise tax advantages, and, with leadership from Richard, help support the future development of the museum.”

Meanwhile, Wycombe District Council’s Cabinet has agreed to the relocation of Wycombe Museum from Priory Avenue to a purpose-built gallery at its headquarters in Queen Victoria Road.

WDC will pump £900,000 into the relocation and enter into a five-year funding agreement with the trust, with a grant of £184,000 per annum.

The move is subject to a successful application for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.