AMBITIOUS plans to build a museum in a Deeside primary school earmarked for demolition have hit a stumbling block.
Connah’s Quay Town Council had hoped to build the heritage centre inside Custom House Lane School when the building shuts in 2012 to make way for a brand new super-school.
But Flintshire Council bosses say the building must be demolished following a health and safety study.
Connah’s Quay councillor Aaron Shotton said: “Sadly the feasibility study concluded that there was no other option but to demolish the school.
“Custom House Lane is a focal point in the town and it would be such a shame to demolish it.
“We are asking to see a copy of the feasibility study to ensure that all options have been examined.”
The death of town councillor and keen historian Victor Williams in February prompted calls for a Deeside museum.
The 74-year-old, who wrote countless books on the history of Deeside, had left the town council his entire local history collection.
Councillors, led by Cllr Shotton, have joined forces with the Quay Waterman’s and Recreation Association (QWRA) and are seeking to convert the former Sea Cadets building on Dock Road into a maritime museum, heritage and education centre.
But as the collection was so large the group had also hoped to utilise the old school building
Cllr Shotton met with QWRA chairman Keith Marland and Flintshire Council chief executive Colin Everett with a view to creating a business plan.
Cllr Shotton said: “The town council is keen to press ahead with this and are in talks with the QWRA about a joint project.
“Anywhere in the town would be great. We just want to celebrate the history of Deeside.”
The QWRA is currently in negotiations with Flintshire Council, who own the Sea Cadets building, about taking it over.
If given the go-ahead, Mr Marland said it could be named after the historic boat Kathleen And May, which was built in Connah’s Quay in 1900 and featured in the 1970s hit TV series, The Onedin Line.
A spokesman for Flintshire Council said:“We are currently looking at options for possible sites with the Connah’s Quay Waterman’s and Recreation Association and local members.”