A Vale councillor has submitted a 'request for consideration' regarding museum provision in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Cllr Dr Ian Johnson has outlined his interest in seeing a museum supported by the local authority.

The letter states: ''The Expert Review of Local Authority Museum Provision (2015) says that museums and historical buildings are important components of our cultural, educational life and contribute to the economy through their role in tourism and support the well-being of our communities.

''However, although twenty of the twenty-two Welsh local authorities are reported as funding some form of museum provision, the same report shows that there are no Accredited Museums within the Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council area.

''Recent years have seen increasing interest in local history within the Vale of Glamorgan, evidence by social media sites which publish photographs and postcards of the area, a regular flow of articles in local print newspapers and the advent of guided tours which celebrate social history.

''Noting the absence of a local authority or independent accredited museum in Barry, in particular, I would like the committee to receive and debate a report on the (a) desirability and (b) feasibility of establishing a local museum.

''The Vale of Glamorgan is home to two local museums: Barry Island War Museum, located in the historic Barry Island Station, and the Cowbridge & District Museum located in Cowbridge Town Hall.''

Neither museum is in receipt of any Local Authority funding:

• The Barry Island War Museum is operated by the Barry at War Group (Voluntary) and offers an authentic wartime experience.
• The Cowbridge & District Museum was founded in the early 1980's and focuses on Cowbridge's past. The museum exhibits are housed in the Town Hall cells. In April 2017, the museum received formal accreditation from MALD - the Museums, Archives, Libraries Division (Wales).

Both Vale Museums are only open a few times per month and at specific times.

However, there is no statutory obligation on local authorities in Wales to provide museum services

On average in Wales approximately 20% of museum running costs are covered by revenue. The remaining 80% of funding comes from grants, national funding and/or subsidies from Local Authorities.

There is no national funding available to Local Authorities from Welsh Government linked to the provision of museum services.

A number of Council funding streams exist to support community growth and facilities, including:

• Stronger Communities
• Community Grants
• Business Funding
• Mayors Foundation

External funding streams are also available from MALD, the Federation of Museums and Art Galleries Wales, National Lottery Heritage Fund, and The Community Fund, for example.

The report will be considered by the Vale Learning and Culture Scrutiny Committee on the 16th of January.