Strutt's North Mill, in Belper, which produced cotton thread from 1804, is Grade I listed and forms part of the Derwent Mills World Heritage Site.

But now, the chair of the Belper North Mill Museum Trust, a registered charity, has confirmed that volunteers will “retain a presence” at the site, including conducting guided tours, from April.

John Layton, chair of Belper North Mill Trust, said they were disappointed but hoped something might be salvaged for the future. The space will instead be let out for commercial use from October.

John Layton, chair of the Belper North Mill Trust, which runs the museum, says: “Once council funding is removed, you have to take steps to see if you can balance the books.

Strutt's North Mill, in Belper, which produced cotton thread from 1804, is Grade I listed and forms part of the Derwent Mills World Heritage Site. The museum closed in October after council grants ...