PONTYPOOL Museum will open its doors again on a Saturday thanks to funding from local councillors, in a huge boost for the local institution.

Facing up to cuts in its core funding, the museum made the difficult decision to close on a Saturday six months ago.

But now, thanks to a generous £5,000 donation from Pontypool Community Council, it will be able to offer visitors the opportunity to visit on Saturday’s once more.

It should provide a considerable financial help for the cash-strapped museum.

The museum appealed for more members to make up a £19,000 cash shortfall in its budget after losing Torfaen council funding.

Last month it hit its halfway mark, after securing 500 members and now Pontypool Community Council has stepped forward to further help out.

Deborah Wildgust, the museum’s curator, said: “We are thrilled to be receiving this money – so from September 20 we will be reopening to the public and anyone who can prove that they are living in Pontypool can come in for free.” Pontypool Community Council’s chairman Gaynor James said: “It’s wonderful to be giving funding to such a good cause and I hope that local residents will take the opportunity to see what the museum has to offer.

“The volunteers work hard to keep it running and I hope we never lose our museum.”

Museum membership fees are £15 per year or £20 for a family. Business, institution or club fees cost £60.

For details call 01495 752036 or send an email to pontypoolmuseum@hotmail.com