The Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro has announced it is partially close next year, with staff redundancies, saying a "new approach" is needed after a fall in visitor numbers.

The changes will come into place on January 12, 2020 and will be force for eight months.

The museum said this period of time would be used to reboot the public programme, modernise how the museum is run and allow for critical roof repairs.

Eight members of staff are being made redundant.

In a statement this evening the museum said: "Low visitor numbers and a challenging funding climate mean that the operation of the museum needs a new approach.

"The closure also offers the opportunity for a complete overhaul of the aging roof. Serious leaks are now threatening to bring down a wall and damage several exhibits."

It said £100,000 worth of repairs were urgently needed to safeguard the collections and a contractor will be appointed in the New Year.

During this time the museum will consult with communities across Cornwall on a new vision for the museum and how it can better serve their needs.

Julie Seyler, the chair of the Museum Board, said: “RCM has served the people of Cornwall for over 200 years and played a leading role in protecting and safeguarding Cornish history, culture and achievement.

"This is a role it will continue to play in the future, but as with any organisation we need to invest in our building and reset our vision for the future." "This is essential as we set a course for the next 100 years."

Alan Wallace, the museum director, added: “While we must carry out our responsibilities to the building and our valuable collections, our main concern today is for the eight people who, through no fault of their own, will be made redundant.

"The museum that reopens its doors in September will be different, following a consultation to understand and meet the changing needs of visitors and to sustain the service for the future."

Areas that will not be affected by the repair works will stay open, by appointment.

One area is the library, which will continue to be available for people who use it for research and for weekly school visits.