Since launching their petition two weeks ago, the Friends of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle have obtained over 2,000 signatures - more than enough to require the petition to be considered at a full council meeting.

The fossilised remains of Britain's largest ichthyosaur, colloquially known as a 'Sea Dragon', were discovered in 2021 at Rutland Water Nature Reserve which Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust manage in partnership with Anglian Water.

Since they were formed in 1970 the friends group has donated more than £250,000 to the museum and castle, mainly for purchasing new exhibits.

They have a target of raising £50,000 for the museum expansion and helping to display the Sea Dragon, but they say this "does not appear to have been taken into account by the council".

It is the biggest and most complete skeleton of its kind found to date in the UK and is also thought to be the first ichthyosaur of its species (called Temnodontosaurus trigonodon) found in the country.

The remains were fully excavated in 2022 and it was hoped to exhibit them at Oakham' museum.

However, Rutland County Council's Cabinet has decided the county cannot afford the project and has voted to abandon negotiations with Anglian Water to acquire the Rutland Sea Dragon for display in the town

In a statement to Nub News, Rutland County Council said: 'We know the importance of the Rutland Sea Dragon and understand the strength of feeling around displaying the fossil locally.

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'Unfortunately, the economic outlook has worsened considerably since we set our budget in February. Inflation, supply chain and construction costs have all risen, meaning the project we budgeted for is no longer affordable.

'We are facing added cost pressures of £1m or more if we proceed with acquiring the Sea Dragon, paying for its conservation and adapting the museum to display it. That's £1m in addition to £6m of council money and £1.8m government money that we have already set aside in our budget.

'We would love to see the fossil displayed in Rutland and will do what we can to support this without compromising our budget and exposing the council to long-term financial risk. We also have an obligation to taxpayers to demonstrate best value for public money and ensure our limited financial resources are used in a way that is most beneficial to residents and communities.

'We are yet to receive the Rutland Sea Dragon petition that has been launched by the Friends of Rutland County Museum. Once received, it will need to be checked and validated to ensure it meets the necessary requirements outlined in our petition guidance.

'In the meantime, the council needs to move forward with its original Levelling Up plan for new digital experiences at Rutland County Museum, as well as progressing plans to redevelop the museum into a modern visitor attraction – one that showcases historical artifacts while also providing a multi-purpose cultural space that can be used to host a wide range of community events and activities.'

The petition is available for e-signing here.