The future of the Cromwell Museum has been secured after the decision not to transfer ownership of the building to Huntingdon Town Council was reversed.

At a meeting of Cambridgeshire County Council, held on Tuesday, councillors agreed to rescind their earlier decision, made last month, to offer the town council the leasehold and instead offer the freehold of the building.

The change of heart came after a motion signed by more than 20 county councillors was put forward calling for the decision to be reconsidered.

The county council then entered into discussions with Huntingdon Town Council and an agreement was reached to offer the building to the town, on the condition that it remains a museum dedicated to the life of Oliver Cromwell permanently.

Councillor Peter Reeve, who represents Ramsey, said: “I’m very grateful to the members of the council who went against the original decision, for all the right reasons, and pushed to get to the right outcome for all concerned.

“It is a good day for this council, which has a mature democracy which can review its decision and go forward collectively and as one.”

Responsibility for the future of the building, in Huntingdon’s Market Square, will now be taken on by the town council, under the management of a newly formed charitable trust.

Sir Peter Brown said: “The people of Huntingdon can be extremely proud of the museum, it is a jewel in our crown. People come from all over the world to see the museum.”