THE climbdown over Tymperleys shows Colchester Council lacks a proper strategy to save cash, opposition leader Kevin Bentley said.

The Conservative applauded the withdrawal of the closure plan as a “victory for common sense”.

But he added: “This proves beyond doubt this administration governs by knee-jerk reaction.

“To withdraw it so quickly tells me there is no strategy or forward thinking.”

Mr Bentley said if the council had taken time to discover the full impact of the decision, it would never have taken it.

However, former Tymperleys curator Mark Davies said he was pleased the authority had taken notice of public opinion after hundreds of people voiced their disapproval.

Mr Davies, now a volunteer with the Friends of Colchester Museums, said: “We are extremely pleased the council’s cabinet has decided to review its decision and to engage in discussion with ourselves and other interested groups and the public.

“We look forward to co-operating on what is not an easy venture, but one we hope will bring a satisfactory conclusion in the interests of Colchester residents, who have expressed their feelings very strongly in support of our outstanding heritage.”

Colchester MP Bob Russell said: “I am pleased about the positive way the council is empowering the enthusiasm of residents and organisations.

“I am hopeful there will be a resolution for the clock museum, which will ensure the building is retained for a public amenity for the people of Colchester.”

The council’s decision got a cooler reception from Wendy Bailey, chairman of community group Destination Colchester.

She said: “We can’t get carried away thinking it has been saved.

“The museum will be closing for the winter on October 31 and we have until March to find an alternative way of running it.

“Everyone needs to work together to find a way forward, but the council has to be at the centre of the discussions.”