A CAMPAIGN has been launched to set up a not-for-profit group to take over the former Tymperleys museum in Colchester.

Colchester Council has put the Grade II* listed building on the market for £250,000 for a 125-year lease.

An alternative option is a 20-year lease with a higher rent, but no purchase fee.

Community campaigner Wendy Bailey is among a group that wants to take over the 15th century building – and has 22 days to submit a bid.

Mrs Bailey said: “Tymperleys is too good to become a bed and breakfast or a cafe.

“We want to save Tymperleys for the community, rather than having a commercial enterprise benefit from it. But we need help.”

A £500 pledge has been made by Colchester historian Jess Jephcott, but the group needs more money and volunteers to compile a bid.

Tymperleys, left to the town by philanthropist Bernard Mason, was home to royal physician and innovative scientist William Gilberd, the father of electricity.

It was closed by Colchester Council in October to save money on running costs.

Mrs Bailey said she hoped the house could become an interactive museum to celebrate Gilberd’s life and work. She said: “This could become one of the best small museums in the world.

“We want the house to have an educational use. The upper floors could be used for weddings or meetings.

“Any money raised would be ploughed back into it.

“We are seeking national and international funding, but need expressions of support now.”

To support the bid, contact Mrs Bailey on 07770 665512 or wendy baileypr@me.com.

A Save Tymperleys site has also been set up on Facebook.