Museum is set to move

Council have reassured members of the public that the museum service will remain in place, but will be moving in due course to the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre where they say many more people will be able to access the service and see exhibitions.

A council spokesperson said: “Recent media reports claiming that the service is to close with the loss of local heritage in the area are incorrect.

“The Museum Service will relocate and the new focus of the service is on bringing the local heritage out to the public, with outreach to schools and community groups a priority.

“The Museum service has a history of moving. Initially based at Pinebank it moved to Waterside House in 2005, however visitor numbers to the museum remain low.

“Current numbers to exhibitions at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre show as many as 14,000 in only three months and it is anticipated that the relocation will attract more visitors to view the collection.”

The spokesperson added: “The rich heritage of the Craigavon collection will remain with the service continuing to operate as normal in the meantime. The World War II home front exhibition, which was recently on display at Waterside House, will be displayed in the LNDC from April 3 to 15.

“All museum staff have been briefed and are continuing to provide their service to all those interested in the local heritage of the area.”