GLASS enthusiasts driving forward plans to create a sparkling new museum in Wordsley say they remain optimistic they will still secure vital funding after their bid for almost £1million to the Heritage Lottery Fund was deferred.

The British Glass Foundation, the organisation behind the ambitious plans to open the new 'White House Cone - Museum of Glass' which has been built on the former Stuart Crystal glass factory site, had submitted a £980,000 bid to the HLF to finance the costly internal fit-out of the new museum in Camp Hill and the application made it through stage one of the process earlier this year.

But the HLF has now asked for more detail before the bid can be approved.

Graham Knowles, chairman of the BGF, said: "As you would expect with any project of this size there have been the inevitable delays with specialised work needed to bring the building up to museum standards, but we are now on the final hurdle to raise funding for the internal fit-out of the new museum which will provide a brand new home for the internationally-renowned Stourbridge glass collections in the Glass Quarter.

"HLF funding for the internal fit-out is essential in giving the new facility the wow factor that will encourage people to come through the doors and celebrate our unique glass heritage.

"We have met with HLF to understand their further information requirements."

The BGF will provide the information during November and expect to hear the outcome of the bid in February 2018.

Councillor Ian Kettle, Dudley's cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: "We remain as committed as ever to helping bring forward this project which will continue to celebrate this region’s proud glass heritage.

"We are looking forward to continuing to work with the group on what I am sure will be a first class visitor attraction."

If all goes to plan and the funding is secured - the museum will be formally opened next summer.

In the meantime - it will continue to host occasional, pop-up displays after playing host to a successful temporary exhibition during the International Festival of Glass in August.

Check out www.britishglassfoundation.org.uk to keep up-to-date with forthcoming temporary exhibitions and glass news.