Alicia Kearns MP is supporting the Friends of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle’s petition urging Rutland County Council to bring Rutland’s ichthyosaur fossil back to Rutland County Museum.
Cabinet papers from Rutland County Council show the Council has voted to abandon negotiations with Anglian Water to acquire the ichthyosaur fossil for display at Rutland’s County Museum.
In January 2023, the Government awarded Rutland Levelling Up funding specifically to bring the ichthyosaur fossil back to Rutland. Rutland County Council claims it can no longer afford the project, but has not been willing to give clear answers on the finances. The Council’s justification relied on a Bank of England report published on 30th April, yet just two working days later they produced a 250 page report concluding the project could not go ahead.
If 1,500 residents sign the petition, the Council will be required to hold a full Council debate.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, said:
"This once-in-a-generation find is a remarkable part of our local heritage, and it belongs here in the county where it was discovered.
"If you believe, like the Friends of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle and me, that the Rutland Sea Dragon should come home, we are asking you to please sign the petition urging the Council to reverse its decision:
"I have written to the CEO of Anglian Water and to the Leader of Rutland County Council for a meeting to get us all together to discuss how we bring the Rutland Sea Dragon home."
(Photo credit: Anglian Water)
