THE leader of Basingstoke council has denied claims that it has been seeking to kick the museum service out of the borough-owned Willis Museum building.

The Gazette reported last week that county council officers are considering moving some exhibits from The Willis Museum in the old town hall to a new discovery centre, to be created in the library in Potters' Walk.

The news sparked opposition from local history enthusiasts, including The Friends of The Willis Museum.

County council officers met in the library on Thursday. A statement issued afterwards read: "The purpose of the meeting was to look into how much space would be required and could potentially be made available for museum displays within the library."

Now, county council Cabinet member Phil Heath has alleged the borough approached the county about the museum service moving out "several months ago".

He said: "Basingstoke council has asked the county for the building back. They want to take it over and use it for their own purposes."

He said options might include educational use or an art gallery.

However, he said there was "no question of The Willis Museum being closed".

"Some exhibits may be moved, but not the whole lot," he added.

But borough leader Cllr Brian Gurden denied the county council had been asked to quit.

"No such approach has been made," he stressed.

Cllr Gurden said there were regular meetings with county councillors on all matters including recreation and heritage and the borough was open to all ideas.

However, he conceded: "I would be receptive to the idea of an art gallery. It would probably do well.

"Let's see if there is space freed up. It may not be deliverable, but it's worth talking about."