Tenby Museum and Art Gallery has been telling the story of the past for nearly 140 years.

Now it is seeking more support from the people of Pembrokeshire to ensure that it has a future.

With the announcement this week by the award-winning museum that it is at risk of closure, it’s being suggested that locals and visitors rally round and make a once-yearly payment of £4.95 to buy an unlimited adult admission ticket.

“The museum anticipates that the local authority funding will be nil, or close to nil, in future years, so we are acting prudently now,” said Kathy Talbot, one of the trustees of the museum, which is an independent charitable trust.

“If everybody in Tenby bought an admission ticket, that would be a great contribution. If everyone in Pembrokeshire bought one, we would be home and dry!

“The adult admission ticket, which is valid for one year after purchase, is a valuable stream of income.

“This is complemented by shop sales, the Friends organisation and commission from art sales. Accompanied children are welcomed free of charge at all times.”

Dr Talbot added: “Every effort is being made by the trustees to keep this important Pembrokeshire museum open. Among the actions taken is a reduction in staff costs and a review of the admission charge.”

County Councillor Michael Williams, chair of the trustees, said: “The small admission charge keeps over 100,000 artifacts in good order.

“By regularly changing displays, Tenby Museum is always constantly surprising local and tourist visitors.

“It is a special place with activities for the whole family, and we believe a visit to the museum and its galleries is truly memorable, totally magical.

“It would be a tragedy should it have to close.”

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman told the Western Telegraph: “We have a three-year Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Tenby Museum and Art Gallery and there is still a year to go with no proposed cut in funding.

“They also have several years remaining on their lease agreement.

“When the SLA, and later, the lease are coming up for renegotiating, we will look at these with an eye to the financial position of the council and in terms of outcomes they deliver.”