THE World of Glass is in talks with numerous organisations to help secure its long-term future following months of uncertainty, it can be revealed.

Council chiefs have earmarked the site, which is seen as a key location in the regeneration of the town centre, as the location for a new arts and culture centre that would also re-home central library.

However, it is believed negotiations with St Helens Council came to a standstill in September, leading to concerns about how the World of Glass, a visitor attraction and a registered charity, would be funded.

Around this time there were fears the Chalon Way-based glass museum may have to close its doors, however, it is understood short-term funding was secured.

St Helens Council said at the time that it was working with the World of Glass’ board to “come up with a solution”, although a spokesman declined to comment on funding arrangements with the charity.

The council added this week that talks are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Ron Helsby, executive director at the World of Glass, said the charity is “happily talking to other organisations” to help secure its long-term future.

Mr Helsby said: “We should be looking what is really good about the town.

“We have got a legacy in the past and can be doing great things in the future.

“We are effectively, happily talking to other organisations.

“You’ve got to understand if we have finance from different organisations that takes the pressure off of a single organisation being the sole supporter.

“We have taken our own initiative to talk to other organisations to see how we can work with them to make the centre better.”

A council spokesman said: “The council is continuing to work with the World of Glass and other parties, to develop plans for an arts and culture centre in the town centre that will provide people with a better selection of arts and cultural activities and create an attractive alternative to visit the town centre.”

But the council’s handling of the situation has drawn criticism from within the ranks of the St Helens Labour group.

One Labour source claims a temporary source of external funding from a benefactor had to be found to secure the venue’s immediate future.

And a leaked email sent to Labour members from a  Labour councillor last month accused the council of being “cut-throat” to get what it wanted for the town centre.

A council spokesman said the council “does not comment on political group emails”.

Mr Helsby told the Local Democracy Reporter Service that he can understand why the World of Glass site is “quite desirable”.

He said the museum attracted 77,000 visitors in 2017, although he acknowledged that funding can be “taken away and given at any time”.

Mr Helsby said: “We are looking at working to get something that will be better, if not as good as what we have got.

“What we have got is not a bad package for a town our size.

“We just want people to work with us.”