Call to display Sea Dragon fossil rejected

A council has rejected calls to reconsider its decision not to display a huge fossil which was found beside a reservoir.

The Rutland Sea Dragon - a 180-million-year-old ichthyosaur - made headlines when it was unveiled in 2021 as the largest and most complete specimen found in the UK.

But plans to display it in a revamped Rutland County Museum were shelved earlier this year, prompting protests and a petition with more than 2,000 signatures.

However, Rutland County Council has restated its position that the cost of putting the 33ft (10m) specimen on show was too high.

In February, the council backed a plan to incorporate the fossil, which is owned by Anglian Water, into a £6m renovation of the Rutland County Museum, but by May this was abandoned after estimated costs rose by £1m.

This prompted a campaign by Friends of Rutland County Museum - backed by Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, Alicia Kearns - to persuade the council to reconsider.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said a council meeting heard from Lawrence Fenelon, chairman of the Friends of Rutland County Museum, who said: "Never again is such a golden opportunity likely to arise.

"It's clear the people of Rutland want the sea dragon to be displayed at the museum in Oakham. They regard it as part of their history.

"The council says there's no money for conservation so we can't accept the fossil, which means it's likely to be given to someone else."

Independent councillor Rosemary Powell, council portfolio holder for economy and place, said: "Although I have a can-do attitude, I am also a pragmatist.

"Believe me when I say we have looked at every which way on this one, and we cannot just empty the council coffers. It would be reckless, and not the best use of taxpayers' money.

"I've had sleepless nights over this. It's not an easy decision, but looking at all the facts in front of us, we need to concentrate on delivering the museum transformation project."

Plans are now under way for a digital exhibit of the sea dragon and the remains of a 4th Century Roman mosaic floor – also found within the county – using £2m of government "Levelling Up" funding.

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