THE Museum of Electricity in Christchurch has closed “indefinitely” with nine members of staff losing their jobs.

An independent review found that the Bargates museum, set in an Edwardian power station, does not fulfil its visitor needs and has restricted disabled access.

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), which funds the museum, dedicated to the history of electricity, said it could not afford the necessary "seven figure sum" redevelopment works.

Nine paid members of staff have been made redundant and several volunteers have also lost their posts.

The museum, which closes between the end of September and Easter, will not reopen in the spring as planned.

SSE spokesman Julian Reeves said the company was discussing redeployment opportunities with staff members and would continue to provide an education service for schools and colleges.