Thousands sign petition against Middlesbrough museum closure

Around 4,000 people have signed a petition calling for Middlesbrough Council to keep the town's Captain Cook Birthplace Museum open.

The BBC reports that the local authority has proposed shutting the museum or handing responsibility over to another operator as part of efforts to save millions of pounds and avoid bankruptcy.

Martin Peagram, Chair of the Captain Cook Birthplace Trust, which launched the petition, said: "In 2028, it's the 300th anniversary of the birth of possibly the most famous person to come from this area. He's internationally renowned.

"We all know councils are under pressure with budgets [but] the Captain Cook Birthplace Trust regard this [proposal] as a tragedy.

"Thousands of schoolchildren have been through there over the years, learning about Captain Cook and about countries around the world.

"We know the issues the council face are real, but the museum is critical for people's perceptions of Middlesbrough and the commercial, cultural and educational opportunities it brings."

A public consultation on the budget proposals runs until 18 January.