Despite a nine-month setback, the Lowestoft and East Suffolk Maritime Museum is finally on the way to making major improvements thanks to a £345,000 lottery grant.

Despite a nine-month setback, the Lowestoft and East Suffolk Maritime Museum is finally on the way to making major improvements thanks to a £345,000 lottery grant.

The Heritage Lottery Fund gave the money in June last year, but due to complications with the lease the plans were put on hold.

With fundraising efforts and lots of volunteer work the museum was able to boost the fund pot to £425,000 to cover all the renovation costs.

Peter Parker, chairman of the museum society, said: “We didn't have a big fundraising event but we were collecting steadily over the years.

“We got the grant last June but unfortunately we're nine months behind schedule. You could call the delay a bit of a hiccup.”

The museum, on Whapload Road, showcases artefacts and memorabilia from the local fishing industry. The money will be used to modernise and expand facilities, with an extension to the main building and a new education room.

Mr Parker said he hoped the renovation work would encourage people to make the most of the museum. Children from St Mary's Primary School, on Kirkley Cliff, were invited to the museum to help dig the foundations.

“We are expecting the project to be finished by September 2009 and we will also be redesigning the whole museum. We are finally going ahead, the foundations have been dug and the concrete has been poured.

“The grant means we can deliver a museum and attraction for the public and schools that is both educational and pleasurable,” added Mr Parker.