A LANDMARK Swindon museum is facing an uncertain future after being told it is being kicked out of its current home.

The Museum Of Computing is housed in the University of Bath's Oakfield Campus.

But now the university is leaving its Swindon base it has informed museum bosses they have three months to pack up and get out.

This could spell disaster for the UK's first dedicated computer museum as its supporters fear they will not be able to afford premises anywhere else.

The news is even more crushing because it comes at a time when the museum was close to gaining accreditation to full museum status.

Curator Simon Webb said: "It's a real bombshell - we had been working towards the accreditation for years and just when it all seemed so positive this happens.

"It will be very difficult to find another situation as good as this one.

"The university was very generous in donating the space to us, which meant we had low overheads.

"We are volunteer-run and have received funding from Intel.

"With more than 2,000 hardware exhibits, 2,500 software items and about 1,500 books, manuals and other items there will be an awful lot of boxes to shift if we have to move.

"We need a location with 75sq m of exhibition space, disabled access and 100sq m of storage space.

"Perhaps Bill Gates will be on the phone any minute with the solution to our problems - until then I'm very open to any other suggestions."

Swindon Council is in the process of reviewing the building, which the University of Bath is planning to completely clear by August.

Bill Cotton, the director of economic and cultural development at Swindon Council, said: "The Museum Of Computing is a very interesting and valuable resource in Swindon.

"At the moment we are doing a review so when that is finished we will have more information.

"We are trying to find the museum a new home - this has surprised us as much as them."

Coun Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads), the cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation, said: "The council will do all it can to assist what is a popular and unique attraction."

South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove said: "I am fully on board to try to save the museum for Swindon.

"I think as a history of computing it is important on a national level as well.

"I think it will be even more valuable to future generations and there must be a way of keeping it in Swindon."

Anyone who can help the museum find a new home is asked to contact Simon Webb on 07834 375628 or email info@museum-of-computing.org.uk.