THE unique model of Winchester in Victorian times is in danger of falling to pieces unless a permanent home is found for it soon.

The Town Forum heard this evening that the 15-foot wide model is getting damaged when it is assembled and taken down when put on temporary display.

The model was created by the former chief planning office of Hampshire County Council, Roger Brown, 91, after he retired.

Peter Liddiard, a friend of Mr Brown, told the forum tonight: “It is an extraordinary piece of work that took him nine years. He would love to see his model find a permanent home.

"We are worried about its long-term future. There are worries that repeated assembly and dismantling will damage the model further."

Mr Liddiard suggested a permanent space could be found when the Guildhall is revamped.

The county council is looking after the model and is committed to displaying it for a month every year in the Great Hall.

Eloise Appleby, assistant director at the city council, said: “There is general enthusiasm. I haven’t spoken to anyone who won't want to find a permanent home. It is becoming something like a cause célèbre in Winchester.”

Cllr Robert Hutchison, forum chairman, said of the model: “This is a quite extraordinary asset, a piece of art. Councillors have a duty of care. We didn’t ask for it to happen but it has happened. It is quite unique in the city.”

City councillors sounded warnings about the danger of inaction.

Cllr Sue Nelmes said: “Roger Brown has told me he is frightened the model is going to disintegrate. The more it is taken apart the shorter its life will be.”

Cllr Chris Pines said: "Winchester is doing what Winchester does best. We have been talking about this for I don’t know how long.

“In the City Museum there was a stuffed lion; that everyone took their children to see. Eventually we had to chuck it out because it fell to pieces. If we carry on we will have the same situation with this. We have got to do something for crying out loud. Get on with it!”

Cllr Ian Tait said there was plenty of space at the Law Courts that could be used. “By the time we make a decision it will have disintegrated,” he warned.

The forum agreed to set up a working group “to champion the need for a permanent display site for the model of Victorian Winchester.”