There is no done deal to close Oxfordshire's farm museum at Cogges, in Witney.

The county council yesterday insisted the centre's future had not been decided amid mounting public furore that the museum's future is in peril.

It also came on the same day that Witney MP and Tory leader David Cameron said he was "horrified" the important tourist attraction could be lost.

Letters, emails and website protests have been pouring in to the Oxford Mail and its sister paper the Witney Gazette since we revealed a leaked document about the museum's £250,000 annual losses on November 27.

It has taken another eight days for the council to make a public statement about the issue.

Jim Couchman, the cabinet member responsible for the museum, said yesterday: "We have heard loud and clear that people have a real depth of feeling and attachment to Cogges.

"There does, however, seem to be an implicit assumption in some quarters that we have already made our minds up. This is utterly untrue."

But Mr Couchman's comments also poured cold water on suggestions it could sell the site for housing.

He added: "We must find a new model of operating Cogges to ensure a viable future, not dependent on an annual subsidy of almost £250,000.

"Let us be crystal clear. It is the annual subsidy cost that is proving unsustainable for the council. If we are to see Cogges survive into the longer term, we will have to find ways of increasing visits and reducing costs. I very much hope this is possible."

Published figures are that over 25,000 people visited the museum last year. Mr Couchman said the council was in effect paying a subsidy of about £9 a head for every visitor.

The Oxford Mail yesterday asked for a breakdown of the annual costs and income but the county was unable to supply them.

Meanwhile, Mr Cameron has added his voice to the growing public campaign and is seeking meetings with the county council.

He told the Oxford Mail: "I was horrified to hear the dismal news about Cogges Manor Farm Museum. This is a much loved and wonderful heritage site.

"Many people have said to me Cogges brings history to life. And it does.

"It gives people the opportunity to understand all sorts of bygone experiences - and for our town to lose this important tourist attraction will be a tragedy.

"I have written to Oxfordshire County Council and will be having meetings with those closely involved."