ASDA has lifted the spirits of those at Trowbridge Museum, which just had its annual £8,000 grant cut by Wiltshire Council, by giving the Friends of Trowbridge Museum £200.

Wiltshire Council axed the grant, saying the museum is well supported by the town council and by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which recently gave £1.1m towards its £2.5m expansion plans.

But this week the museum got a welcome boost as customers at Trowbridge’s Asda store gave it their support through its token vote scheme to help the Friends of Trowbridge Museum continue with their good work.

Chairman of Trowbridge Town Council’s Museum and Tourism Committee, Glyn Bridges, said: “In spite of this big setback, it is great that the Trowbridge community continues to recognise the great work that the Friends of Trowbridge Museum does and how important the museum is to the town.

“A lot of people felt most aggrieved at our grant being cut completely, whereas the Devizes and Salisbury museums did not get the same treatment as they had cuts of 50 per cent. Where is the democracy with that?

“We will overcome this setback. We will do what is necessary, but it is great to have that wonderful support from the Trowbridge public.

“When the expansion happens, the place will bring a lot more people to our museum for sure.”

Asda’s community champion, Nicky Phillips, said the Friends were chosen because of the community work they carry out increasing awareness and access to Trowbridge’s heritage.

“I am so pleased that we are able to hand over this cheque to a really worthwhile cause that does such excellent work,” she said.

“Our panel at Asda chose the Friends because they knew how valuable they are to Trowbridge. The museum wouldn’t run without their voluntary efforts.”

Museum curator, Clare Lyall, said: “We are so grateful to Asda and the Trowbridge community for this support.”

Salisbury Museum had its funding reduced from £44,640 to £22,320 and Devizes will drop from £25,560 to £12,780.

Cabinet Member for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, Cllr Richard Clewer, said the two museums rely more heavily on funding and store archaeological items from all over the county.