Beamish Museum is facing a tough year unless councils agree to a big increase in funding, officials have warned.

The joint governing committee overseeing Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, is asking eight of the region's councils for a total of £193,900 towards its annual running costs.

The attraction costs £3.5m a year to run.

Darlington, North Tyneside and Northumberland councils will be asked for an above inflation donation due to a shortfall in the amount they handed over past year.

In 2004-05, Beamish asked Darlington to provide £9,345 to the open-air museum, but received only £3,287. The museum committee is this year asking for £9,594.

Similarly, Northumberland County Council will be asked for £30,200, compared to the £20,800 it handed over last year.

North Tyneside will be asked for £18,600, compared to the £1,300 the authority provided.

A report by museum director Miriam Harte and joint committee treasurer, Keith Beardmore, states it is uncertain what the consequences would be if the authorities failed to meet their full contributions.

But it adds: "Should authorities choose not to make their contributions in full, it is unclear at this stage where reductions to the budget could be made."

The museum estimates it will attract 310,000 visitors during the 2005-06 season, down slightly on previous years as the effects of increased admission charges are taken into account.

In November, the museum agreed a new price structure, which will see summer admission increase by £1 for adults and £2 for children. Admission during the winter season will go up across the board, by £1.

Mrs Harte said last night: "The implications if we fail to receive the funding would probably be on staffing, repairs and maintenance, and then we would not be offering visitors the best experience of Beamish, so we would be shooting ourselves in the foot."

The museum's budget will be discussed at Friday's meeting of the joint committee, at County Hall, Durham.

Published: 05/01/2005