It is disappointing to report this week that Cogges Manor Farm Museum in Witney will not be open to the public this year.

We, along with most people, expected last year’s rescue plan, under which a trust was to take over the running with financial help from the county council, would see the museum open as normal this Easter.

It is not clear what is the cause of this state of affairs.

All we are told is that it has taken longer than expected for the county council to hand the museum over to the trust and that some unspecified work at an unspecified cost needs to take place before it can open.

This sounds worrying. The museum is held in very high esteem across the county. It is loved by families and provides an excellent educational opportuinity for schools. We need an end to the continuing uncertainty over the future of Cogges Manor Farm.