Funding of about £170,000 is needed to build a new museum in Harwich.

Co-ordinators behind the Harwich Railway and Shipping Museum have begun the search for cash needed to transform the town's station into a working attraction.

Bernie Sadler, chairman of the Harwich Society, which is supporting the project, said finance was crucial to the plan's future.

He said: "Things are definitely progressing with the museum but in terms of cash we need quite a big slug of money to get things off the ground.

"We've been talking to several different groups who have offered small amounts and bits and pieces, but we need a large amount and the funding is critical."

Mr Sadler said they were hoping for substantial funding from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) but needed to complete more paperwork to be eligible.

"We think the money is there but it is difficult because they don't just hand the money out to anyone and in a sense they shouldn't," he added.

"It is one step forward but it also means more delays, which we don't think are necessary. We will do it because it is something we have to do but it is more time."

An EEDA spokesman said: "EEDA is looking to fund a feasibility study to look at the potential of a museum like this and whether there is a demand for it."

The study would look at areas like tourism and employment opportunities.

Published Thursday, June 5, 2003

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