MUSEUMS across the south have joined together in a bid to win more Government cash amid fears over future funding.

Hampshire County Council, Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester city councils, Isle of Wight Council, the Mary Rose Trust and the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu are forming Hampshire and Solent Museum Alliance.

Council chiefs say the new partnership could offer huge benefits with the potential to share collections, expertise and audiences as well as new funding opportunities.

The move comes after Culture Minister Ed Vaizey announced major changes in the way Renaissance funding, Government cash for museums, will be distributed in future.

The system of funding “hubs” or groups of museums will be scrapped.

Instead Renaissance cash will go to core museums with outstanding collections. There will also be a Challenge Fund open to all museums.

Councillor Margaret Snaith-Tempia, executive member for culture and recreation for Hampshire County Council, said the partnership could ensure that museums are in a better position to secure future funding.

Rich heritage She said: “Hampshire and its people have a rich cultural and natural heritage which the county council has a responsibility to preserve and share so that its history can be enjoyed by all.”

Councillor John Hannides, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage at Southampton City Council, said: “Southampton has a remarkable and multifaceted heritage which reflects the story of Britain’s global merchant maritime endeavour over 2,000 years.

“A partnership approach to Renaissance will enable us to explore new and exciting ways of increasing access to both this rich maritime history and our designated art and archaeology collections which are of national and international importance.”

Councillor Dominic Hiscock, portfolio holder for economic prosperity at Winchester City Council, added: “Winchester’s history is treasured by local residents and also by many millions of visitors who come here every year.

“We have so much more to offer, such as our huge reserve collections which we would love to share with a wider audience in Hampshire.

“It’s plain common sense to work with our fellow museum services to make the most of our collective staff, money and objects.”

Meanwhile the county council has put on hold a decision about the restructure of its museum service until tomorrow.

To save money the county is proposing to axe the equivalent of 26 full-time jobs but aims to keep all 20 of its museums and galleries open.

The council is inviting partners to help run the Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery in Alton, Bursledon Windmill in Eastleigh and Rockbourne Roman Villa near Fordingbridge.

Council chiefs say these venues have less than 10,000 visitors per year and could be run in a more cost-effective way, for example with the help of volunteers.