THE man overseeing Wallingford Museum’s extension has resigned, saying the project is “in turmoil” after a dispute over who should own the new building.

Norman Guiver, of the Carpenter’s Fellowship, said he could no longer be involved after the museum’s board decided to keep ownership of the timber-framed extension, rather than giving it to the town.

The existing museum building, Flint House, in High Street, is owned by the town council.

The volunteer-run museum said a delay in securing funding meant construction would not start until next year.

Mr Guiver said he had no faith in the ability of the not-for-profit company running the museum to maximise visitor numbers to benefit the local economy.

He said: “Personally, I have no interest in helping a project when the beneficiaries are not the people of Wallingford.

“We’re trying to raise £400,000 for a small closed shop that is going to take ownership of it.

“The building should be owned by the people of Wallingford, not by the museum.”

Museum director Stuart Dewey said: “We’re sorry Norman has decided to withdraw from the project at a crucial moment, because he put so much into it.”

He added: "The project is exactly where Norman left it.

“If he thinks it is in turmoil that is unfortunate, but we don’t see it that way.”