Win claimed in museum fight

A leading campaigner in the battle to safeguard one of Shropshire's most historic buildings today claimed victory.

A leading campaigner in the battle to safeguard one of Shropshire's most historic buildings today claimed victory.Margaret Owen, who has worked to save Rowley's House museum in Shrewsbury and collected more than 8,000 signatures, said she had been told that the town's "crown jewel" would not be sold and its artifacts could remain inside.

But councillors are remaining tight-lipped over the future of the museum after a behind-closed-doors meeting last night, and chief executive Robin Hooper insisted no decision had been made.

The cabinet considered a report by Mr Hooper but refused to say whether the mansion, which houses the town's museum, would be sold.

The decision will not be announced publicly until after a full council meeting on December 4.

The cabinet members discussed six tenders from groups bidding to take over the building, the sale of which has sparked protests and petitions.

The council plans to move the museum service into the town's Music Hall when the New Entertainment Venue is built in Frankwell.

Mr Hooper today said he was the only person at the council able to speak on the issue and any comment a campaigner had heard was not official.

He said: "No decision has been made as that will be made at council on December 4.

"All the people present at the meeting have been told they cannot speak to anyone from the press or public.

"The decision they took is to make a recommendation to go to council on December 4 and the debate on December 4 will also be exempt as we will be talking about tenders."

Council leader Peter Nutting said: "I cannot say what the cabinet recommended."

But Mrs Owen said: "I have been told they have agreed not to sell Rowley's House or the car park. It has been given a reprieve for four years. The man said to me I must be enjoying the sweet smell of success as they have decided not to sell it."

Dr Alan Shrank,a member of the Town Residents' Association, said: "Whether they sell off the rest of the car park is up to them but selling Rowley's House is like the Government selling the Tower of London."

By Rebecca Lawrence