'It could be perfect as Surfing Museum base'

THE British Surfing Museum may become permanently based in Braunton, subject to planning permission and funding.

The museum, which currently exhibits all over the country has been running for six years, but has no fixed home.

But Brighton based museum director Peter Robinson, thinks the old Saltrock Factory in Vellator, could provide the perfect home.

Peter said: "We have found a great potential building to create a permanent home for our British surfing history collection in North Devon.

"Work has now started to go through the planning process with the district council and we're asking local businesses, surfers and supporters to write a letter of support, please e-mail us for details.

"The hunt is now on to find funding and sponsorship to help us design the interior and fit out the building to make it really special — if you can help, please get in touch."

He is now looking for surfers with museum experience, people with experience of applying to become, or running, a charity and builders to help sponsor the museum by donating services, skills, materials or financially.

He is also looking for people with knowledge of planning rules or design skills and anyone who can help them go green by supplying and installing solar and wind power.

Peter added: "It has been a long struggle to get this far, six years of hard work, but we have a window of opportunity to get up and running in 2009 or early 2010 and create a truly special visitor attraction that we can all be proud of."

Phil Bridges of Tiki, who will be the museum's new neighbours said: "We will be very pleased to have the surfing museum nearby.

"Tiki is as much a part of British surfing so it feels appropriate to be closely linked with the display of that history.

"The decision to locate it here reinforces North Devon's position as the UK's number 1 surfing destination."

Braunton parish council chairman Cllr Jasmine Chesters said: "This would be a wonderful thing to have in the village, and could really boost Braunton. Quite frankly, this is the best place for it. We have wonderful surfing beaches nearby, and Braunton is the ideal location.

"There are more people staying and holidaying in England now, and this is the sort of thing which will be great for the area."