A report which calls for a string of recommendations to improve Norfolk's museums is to be shared with the county's district councils ahead of any decisions at County Hall.

The report into the county's museums service was requested by Norfolk County Council leader Derrick Murphy earlier this year, after an idea of creating a charitable trust to run museums was rejected.

A working party, chaired by Labour group leader George Nobbs, reviewed the service and came up with 21 recommendations, which officers had recommended the cabinet supported.

Recommendations included changes to admission charges and opening times, a new system of governance for the service, tackling 'disparity' in financial contributions to the service by the district councils and maximising retail and catering income at the museums.

But Barry Stone, cabinet member for culture, customer services and communications, instead proposed that the report should go to all the district councils before being discussed by cabinet.

That was agreed and Mr Stone insisted the decision to send the report to the district councils first, was 'not a whitewash', but that the report was being treated 'incredibly seriously'.

But speaking afterwards, Mr Nobbs said he feared the report would become a victim of 'the powers of inertia'.