HARD-WORKING volunteers at Bournemouth Aviation Museum have won a three-year temporary stay of execution at their Adventure Wonderland site.

Councillors at Christchurch Borough Council’s planning committee voted to allow the popular attraction to stay in the Green Belt car park of the children’s theme park opposite Bournemouth Airport.

The museum was forced to close in December, 2007 after the lease on their hanger and adjoining areas was not renewed by the airport owners.

David Marsh, chairman of the trustees at the museum said: “Through hard work and enthusiasm we have re-established ourselves as a viable visitor attraction. Since moving there we have looked for viable alternative space but have not been successful and have been continuing to search. We are very child friendly and encourage a hands-on experience for everyone.

“We also regularly allow 60 volunteers to enjoy their hobby and interests in aviation matters. We are the only organisation attempting to preserve local aviation history.”

Ward councillor Sue Spittle said: “I fully support this application. This is a unique tourist attraction and we are lucky to have it in our borough and it does seem to be the ideal location.

“I would also remind people that this area has got a lot of history with regards to aviation and for this reason it is important to encourage attractions like this.”

Despite a call from Hurn Parish Council to consider a two-year temporary siting, rather than three years, councillors were unanimous in their approval.

Afterwards Mr Marsh said: “I am pleased for the museum but particularly pleased for the volunteers after all the hard work they have put in. Their enthusiasm in relation to re-establishing the museum as an attractive local amenity is great.

“We can begin to move forward and we will pursue an alternative site in the area but at the end of the day we used up all our resources to move from the airport to this site.

“We have not been able to generate a fund to put by for another move.

“However, we do have some time to develop the museum into something the council can’t turn down in the future.”

To volunteer at the museum contact 01202 473141.