The future of the London Motorcycle Museum is on doubt after its landlord, Ealing Council, reduced its rate subsidy resulting in a potential yearly bill of £30,000 for next year. Not only that but they have backdated the demand, meaning the museum is already in arrears to the tune of over £10,000!
Blaming the decision on government cutbacks, the council say it has no choice and it is not singling out the museum, recognising its contribution towards putting the area on the map and bringing tourism income to the area.
However, kind words have not helped and the trustees have come to the difficult decision of raising entrance prices and launching an appeal to help pay the bills for the next year whilst working on other revenue possibilities for the longer term that will allow the museum to remain.
They are reluctant to move outside London, where property prices and rates are cheaper, as museum founder Bill Crosby is passionate about providing a motorcycle museum for the capital – the only one in London. He is fighting to prevent the doors closing and breaking up the collection of nearly 200 bikes including many rarities and prototypes.
The news comes as a harsh blow as the museum volunteers recently put in a lot of work improving the inside of the old farm buildings to showcase the Derek Minter collection of trophies as well as being recognised by the National Lottery who awarded a small sum of money to the museum to allow it to promote itself on a wider scale.
The trustees have vowed to explore all legal options, but in the meantime are asking for donations, however small, to be made to the “Just Giving” page or for people to visit the museum over the next few months and maybe donate directly.
The LMM has been a huge supporter of TR3OC for many years, so if you’d like to help, click here to link to the LMM Donations page.