The National Motorboat Museum at Wat Tyler Park is to lose part of its name as it no longer fits a necessary criteria.

Change of status - the museum is no longer a national treasure. Picture TERENCE BUNCH

The museum will now be known just as the Motorboat Museum after being identified as not fitting the definition of a national museum.

The national title was adopted in 1987 when the museum, in Pitsea Hall Lane, was initiated because it identified the fact the collection was unique to the UK.

However, there was some good news for the museum after councillors at the community and leisure committee sounded hopeful the museum could possibly apply for Museum Registration Status.

The status would mean the scope for networking and getting specialist advice to aid the development of the museum would be enhanced.

Published Thursday November 29, 2001