MUSEUM chiefs will be watching to see whether the introduction of admission charges to one of Bournemouth’s top cultural attractions will spark a drop in visitor numbers.

Yesterday the Russell Cotes Arts Gallery and Museum began a controversial three-month scheme piloting a £5 entry fee to the attraction during the summer months. If successful the scheme will be made permanent in 2012 for six months of the year, from April to September, so residents can still visit for free outside tourist season.

Cabinet member for arts and culture Cllr Ian Lancashire said: “With a reduction in budget and external funding we have to look at alternative ways of increasing the income that the museum and art gallery generates.

“It’s important that we can continue to invest in this valuable resource so that residents and visitors can benefit and enjoy the attraction for years to come.

“We know from feedback from last year’s budget consultation and our own consultations with visitors to the museum that the public are generally supportive of the introduction of an admission fee and visitors have been very generous with charitable donations up until now.”

Income from the £5 admission charge could be increased further by benefiting from the museum’s registered charity status and the Gift Aid scheme.

It will offer taxpayers the opportunity to make a gift in the form of a donation for entry instead of paying a standard admission charge.

The introduction of the admission charge during the trial phase is forecast to generate at least £28,000 in income and £50,000 in the first full financial year of operation.