Transport museum set to open as final decision due on new Aldridge home
Excitement is building over the planned re-opening of a transport museum this summer.
Aston Manor Road Transport Museum hopes to welcome members of the public to its new home in Shenstone Drive, Aldridge, from June.
Planners at Walsall Council are currently considering proposals for the museum from director Alan Bishop. The building requires change of use planning permission.
The charity is hoping to secure its future once and for all after it was forced to move home twice in the space of 12 months.
While they are waiting for the council's decision, volunteers are working on new street scene backdrops.
Mr Bishop said: "We are very excited about the proposals and don't foresee any opposition. The planning application has been submitted so we wait to hear from the council on the matter.
"Our biggest challenge will be getting the money in. The works will cost us about £40,000 and we are looking at a great number of events coming up and have a few more tricks up our sleeve.
"There is also the need to secure sponsorship.
"As a static museum there is the tendency for visitors to come only once or twice. So we plan to mix it up a bit to keep people coming through the doors.
"We have now moved the last of our vehicles and hope we can secure a few more in time of opening."
The museum has around 30 commercial transport vehicles including double deck buses, a tram from the 1920s, a van from around 1928 and a taxi from the 1970s, along with an old Royal Mail bicycle, bus stops and an old fuel pump.
Some of the events already being lined up this year including a 'museum re-awakening' on March 17, collectors fair on May 12 and marking the 60th anniversary of the end of Birmingham trams on July 14.
There will also be Heritage Open Days on September 14 and 15 and collectors fair on November 24.
The museum relocated from its original home in Birmingham after a row with the city council over rent. It moved to Beecham Business Park, in Northgate, before Christmas 2011 and was then told it needed to move last year.
Volunteers were given help in finding their new unit following an appeal in the Express & Star.
