Museum chief resigns with call for cash

Sir Neil Chalmers, the director of the Natural History Museum in London, has stepped down after 16 years in charge to become warden of Wadham College, Oxford.

Last year, Sir Neil criticised government funding levels for the museum in the wake of the increased costs brought about by the ending of admissions charges and a 70 per cent increase in visitors. He said that museums were not being compensated by the Government for the extra expense incurred by a rise in visitors and an increase in staff costs.

"We are very pleased more visitors have flocked to the Natural History Museum since free entry was introduced – we look forward to this continuing," Sir Neil said. "But to remain free it is essential that core funding for the museum is kept at sufficient levels to compensate for the loss of income from admissions charges."

The museum now has more than 2.2 million visitors a year. However, since entry charges were dropped, the spending per head in the museum shop – a significant source of income – has fallen, while the museum has had to employ more staff.

Before taking up his new post at Oxford later this year, Sir Neil said that he will focus his efforts on raising the rest of the £65m needed for the second phase of the Darwin Centre, of which half has already been secured.