SIR. As a former resident and councillor (1982-6) I was taken aback to hear about the plan to close Wandsworth Museum.

Since moving out of the borough in January 1995, I have continued my involvement in researching into, and writing and speaking about aspects of the borough's history.

I have visited the museum on a number of occasions and have always been impressed by the way in which so much information is displayed in an informative and comprehensive way.

Community and Heritage: An appreciation of heritage has been a major spur to community action and involvement. Many people value the heritage of their local built environment.

The museum's valuable role: the museum has played an important role in helping people develop their understanding of the borough's history. It does this very visually and enables people, especially children, to handle items. The Borough News has reported on the current work of the museum with the elderly and children. The Wandsworth Local History Library has different functions as an archive and enabling people to undertake research. Both compliment each other, and each would be the poorer without the other.

Safeguarding collections: Many items at the museum have been donated. What plans are there to ensure donations are preserved safely or are offered back to donors?

There was a suggestion in the Borough News report that items would be stored in disused chapels. How will it be ensured that items are kept damp-proof and at the right temperature? What security measures will be needed to minimise vandalism to the buildings and what will the cost be?

Is the closure of the museum part of a broader council strategy? Does it plan to use West Hill and Alvering libraries to decant council staff from an office building which would generate a large sales receipt, or will they be sold?

If the council remains adamant about closing the museum, is there any possibility of negotiating with the developers a planning gain and Section 106 money agreement to move the museum into, say, the Brewery Tap? Given the Government's wish to encourage the transfer of public assets to community control, and its new fund to help the process, is the council open to exploring the possibility of the Court House and the museum being transferred to a suitable community trust?.

Sean Creighton, Ridge Rd, Mitcham