The Trustees of Keighley Bus Museum recently met with local MP Robbie Moore and shared their desire for new premises to keep the museum in the town. The museum moved to its current premises at Riverside Technology Park in 2005, a move which was only intended to be temporary.
The museum is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. Its collection of around 100 motor vehicles is commended as five star according to the customer review site Trip Advisor. Museum Secretary Norman Shepherd told Robbie the museum want new premises with toilets and a café so more people can enjoy the collection. He also said that due to the state of the current building the Trust are unable to access grants or discretionary funding.
The museum is symbolic in the history of the town’s own connection to the transport industry. Keighley pioneered trolley buses and the last operational trolleybus in the UK is located at the museum. The trustees have also sought to appeal to visitors with other interests, housing the fire engine used in James Bond’s Skyfall movie and television sets from shows including Eastenders.
Following the visit Robbie said:
“I was really pleased to be able to meet with my friends at Keighley Bus Museum. They’re incredibly passionate about what they do and about sharing it with others. Their collection is a real draw for visitors to the area which is fantastic for other businesses in town too.
“I know they’ve had some trouble with their current building and I will do all I can to help support their move to a better facility where they can grow their offering to residents and visitors. Most importantly though I'd like to ensure they have the facilities they need so they can stay here in Keighley where we're proud to have them as part of our community.”
