The county council has disregarded calls to reconsider its decision not to display a sea dragon fossil.

Rutland County Council heard an impassioned plea at a meeting on Thursday (July 9) from Lawrence Fenelon, chairman of the Friends of Rutland County Museum, to rethink its rejection of the 180-million-year-old Rutland Sea Dragon fossil, in light of a petition with more than 2,000 signatures.

"Never again is such a golden opportunity likely to arise," Mr Fenelon said. "It's clear the people of Rutland want the sea dragon to be displayed at the museum in Oakham. They regard it as part of their history. The council says there's no money for conservation so we can't accept the fossil, which means it's likely to be given to someone else."

The council heard that it is "not obliged" to respond to the petition, but that a response could be "folded into" a scrutiny committee meeting in the future.

Councillor Rosemary Powell (Independent), who holds the council portfolio for economy and place, informed Mr Fenelon and the council that although she would "love to see the sea dragon conserved in Rutland", it would not be feasible.

"Although I have a can-do attitude, I am also a pragmatist," Coun Powell said. "Believe me when I say we have looked at every which way on this one, and we cannot just empty the council coffers. It would be reckless, and not the best use of taxpayers' money.

"I've had sleepless nights over this. It's not an easy decision, but looking at all the facts in front of us, we need to concentrate on delivering the museum transformation project."

The council cabinet agreed not to incorporate a display of the fossil into a £6 million renovation of the Rutland County Museum after it was revealed it would cost £1 million more than had been allocated to the project.

advertisement

Plans are now underway for a digital exhibit of the sea dragon and the remains of a 4th-Century Roman mosaic floor – also found within the county – using £2 million of government "Levelling Up" funding.