AFTER a lovely visit to the class A4 locomotive exhibition at Shildon last weekend my conscience was pricked by the fact Darlington may lose the Head of Steam, formerly known as the Darlington Railway Museum, at North Road.

In 1825, Darlington became the birthplace of the first passenger railway.

I would urge people to pay a visit. Among the exhibits you will find Darlington Borough Council consider that due to funding constraints, it will have to close the only remaining museum in the town by 2016.

The town’s rail heritage could go on forever – there are churches in the town, such as the St John The Evangelist Church, in Neasham Road, which is known as the railwayman’s church.

I’m asking the council to consider every possible option to save this little gem and urging the people of Darlington to stand up for the Head of Steam.

Perhaps the council should ask the National Railway Museum to take it over, but to keep it in Darlington is imperative.

Christopher Hawkes, Darlington.