A councillor campaigning for cash to restore a popular Huddersfield museum is questioning the cost of work needed.

Supporters of the Tolson Museum want a survey about the extent of work needed and queried the £8m estimate last provided by Kirklees Council.

Clr Phil Scott said the figure is out of date and is also for extensive adaptations rather than to resolve the building’s immediate problems.

The Almondbury Lib Dem said: “In October 2013 I was told that the council would need to spend £8m to bring Tolson Museum back up to a standard befitting its listed status.

“However, through discussions I have had with officers about what works are needed, I now strongly believe that the basic amount Tolson Museum needs to bring it back up to an acceptable standard is actually between £1m and £2m.

“This would make the building wind and watertight again and be a huge step forward.

“I would love much more to be invested, but we have to cut our cloth and anything else we want see happen will probably have to make up part of a longer term plan for the museum for the time being.”

The last survey was conducted in 2007 and the Almondbury man hopes a new survey will reveal a more accurate picture of the museum’s needs.

Clr Scott added: “The £8m figure I feel has stopped Cabinet supporting the museum but once the new survey is finished and they have things clearly set out in front of them hopefully they will find a way to support Huddersfield’s only museum.”

Visitor numbers at the Ravensknowle Park museum increased by 22% and income increased by 141% over the last 12 months.