Last updated 19:53, Thursday, 04 September 2008

A DECISION on the future of Maryport’s Maritime Museum has been deferred so Allerdale councillors can talk to a group that wants to take it over.A MAN who bit his wife on the cheek during an argument has been given a two-year community punishment.

The authority’s executive was asked to approve an officer’s recommendation to close the museum, put its contents into storage and dispose of the building but at a meeting on Wednesday, executive members agreed to put off their decision and talk to Maryport Festivals Limited, which runs the museum on behalf of the council.

Maryport Festivals said it was prepared to assume ownership of the building for a token £1.

The group gets £15,000 a year from Allerdale towards running costs, but the borough council is responsible for maintenance and the building’s management.

Paul Pocklington, 34, of Pica Cottages, admitted assaulting his wife, Joan, and will require supervision from the probation service for two years, and must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

Pocklington, who was also ordered to pay £40 costs, had drunk about eight cans of lager when the incident took place on July 12, Whitehaven magistrates heard.

The couple had been arguing about the behaviour of Mrs Pocklington’s son.