THE Athelstan Museum could enjoy a more prosperous future if it was managed by a charitable trust, according to museum supporters.

The Friends of Athelstan Museum are considering options to safeguard the future of the museum as North Wiltshire District Council and Malmesbury Town Council discuss the fate of the town hall.

The town hall, where the museum is situated, needs repairs which will cost £200,000 and question marks remain over where the money will come from.

Although the district council funds the museum, the friends believe it takes a passive role in the museum management and does not attempt to extend the collection.

Members of the friends suggested the museum could provide better value for money if it was managed by a trust.

This could involve local councils, the Friends and the Old Corporation, who would have an active interest in promoting and extending the museum.

Two trusts would be needed, according to friends chairman John D'Arcy.

One would own the collection and one would be responsible for operating the museum.

This would provide protection so the collection could not be sold without the permission of the trustees.

The SW Museums Council also advised the friends that under trust management the museum would be in a better position to apply for Heritage grants.

"This is just an idea at the moment," said Mr D'Arcy. "Nothing has been decided yet."