The annual Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition has been cancelled and Buxton Museum and Art Gallery forced to close after dry rot was found in structural timbers of the building.

The closure is needed to allow further investigations to be carried out at the Derbyshire County Council-run museum, which will include removing wall panelling, floor coverings and ceilings.

A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: “Until we have undertaken a full investigation, it’s not possible to fully assess the risk to anyone using the building or the amount of work needed to deal with the dry rot.”

It is not known how long the Terrace Road museum will be closed but the spokesperson said it was not a decision that had been taken lightly.

“We will of course keep everyone informed as and when we have any updates and apologise for any inconvenience.”

Alternative ways to deliver the service while the museum is closed are currently being explored.

Staff at the site will be moving exhibits and storing them at alternative venues with an alternative work base being sourced in the local area.

The Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition had been due to open to the public later this month.

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