The Steam Task Group was formed in December 2002 in response to growing concern about Steam's finances.

It is comprised of seven councillors and is backed by all three political parties.

It has met four times and heard evidence from 14 expert witnesses.

It has also looked at other evidence such as customer feedback forms and the original Heritage Lottery Fund contract for the museum set-up costs.

The group plans to reconvene after the borough council election in order to carry on its work.