RAIL museum bosses in York have revealed they are preparing for big cuts in funding – but rebutted suggestions they are set to scrap free entry.

Admission charges to the National Railway Museum, along with other national museums, were scrapped in 2001.

The change, which resulted in a massive upsurge in the number of visitors to the complex in Leeman Road and boosted York’s tourism, came after the Government provided extra funding to compensate for the loss of income.

A national newspaper has suggested that looming cuts in spending by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will force a re-think on charging.

But a museum spokeswoman today indicated free admission should be here to stay, saying: “We are a national museum – essentially funded by Government and this Government has reiterated its commitment to free entry. Our operating grant is dependent on our continuing to offer free entry.”