JO EVANS, of Victoria Heights, Dartmouth, writes:

As a retired teacher and Trustee of Dartmouth Museum, I have followed your reporting of town council plans for Flat 6A, the Butterwalk with more than passing interest. More than a year ago, councillors were furnished with detailed briefings from the Museum Trustees explaining how we wished to use this additional space. It is gratifying to read that councillor Steve Smith has recognised the importance of creating additional exhibition space but more importantly the installation of a 'learning zone'.

The Museum is a jewel in Dartmouth's crown and we are constantly seeking to attract more visits from our area's schools and colleges. At present we are limited by space and the lack of research areas. If we are to provide a more detailed narrative of the story of Dartmouth, then we need to be able to organise displays that are interactive, combined with access to our archives, audio and video recordings. Museums need to be able to provide the resources and technology for our children to channel their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning in a comfortable and appropriately equipped learning environment.

In addition, we need to be able to respond to countless enquiries from both locals and visitors who come to the museum with questions about family, house deeds and past events. They too would benefit from being able to access our extensive records in a suitably equipped research room area, a resource that is available at other museums and a contributory factor for increasing visitor numbers.

Sadly it would seem that our extensive archives and collections will remain in storage at No.12, The Butterwalk, where the Jesse room with its unique ceiling will remain closed to the public in general and with limited access by appointment only. Our visiting schools groups will continue to squash into three exhibition areas and sit on the floor, their visits limited by time, space and access to additional resources.