A museum which has been a central attraction for 35 years has begun its winter shutdown for general visitors.

Cromer Museum, based in Church Street in the town, shut to the general public yesterday until March 3 next year, with the exception of its normal events programme.

The decision was taken after North Norfolk District Council halved its £40,000 contribution to joint funding with Norfolk County Council.

Peter Stibbons, chairman of the Friends of Cromer Museum group, said: 'We are very disappointed that the museum closure has now come into place.'

He also said they were disappointed with North Norfolk District Council's short notice of its decision earlier this year and added: 'We remain convinced it could have been better handled.'

He stressed although the museum is closed to the public it is open for school activities and friends activities and there will still be organised events, including the monthly mardle.

The curator of the museum will also be available to take event bookings.

Mr Stibbons said the friends were 'fully engaging' with the museum on the reopening to the public in March next year.

Glyn Willimas, councillor and portfolio holder for cultural services at North Norfolk District Council, said: 'We are working together with the museum to explore new ways of working for 2015-16 and how to integrate the museum with tourism and cultural programmes.'

Steve Miller, head of Norfolk Museums Service at Norfolk County Council, added: 'This decision secures the future of the museum and preserves its learning programme and varied community outreach work.'

He added that 75pc of annual visits to the museum took place between April and October.

Do you know of an important community asset which is in danger of closing? Email tracey.gray@archant.co.uk