MLA London, the regional strategic development agency for museums, libraries and archives, has welcomed the news that the London Borough of Wandsworth is now exploring a potential alternative to closure of the Museum service with the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation

Graham Fisher, Chief Executive of MLA London, said: "The offer from the Hintze family of £2m is a hugely generous commitment, recognising the value which the people of Wandsworth have shown they place on their local history during the campaign to save the Museum." 

"Independent trust status has always been an alternative solution to the Council's drastic proposal to close the Museum, which would inevitably mean that access to the collection and the wonderful education services which the museum provides, would be lost forever." 

Plans top close the museum, West Hill library and Alvering library where revealed in January by Wandsworth Council. The generous donation comes as a relief to campaigners who have been fighting to save the museum.