THE Natural History Museum is considering opening an attraction in Dorchester based on the Jurassic Coast.

Hopes are high that the London museum will become the anchor complex linking a series of visitor and interpretation centres along the coast.

A Dorset County Council insider confirmed preliminary talks had been held with the museum. The council is considering ways to develop tourism and protect the area after the coastline was awarded United Nations World Heritage status.

David Evans, of Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "This has to be good news. There would be a knock-on impact for the area. Hopefully, people would come in and spend a few days or more to explore and travel around the area."

He added: "In Dorchester we also have Thomas Hardy, Maiden Castle and plenty of heritage. Add all these things together and we should attract more visitors."

The council insists there is no rivalry between coastal towns as there will be a 'string of pearls' of visitor centres along the coast.

Supporters claim Dorchester would be the best place for a prestigious Natural History Museum and anchor complex because of its centrality and transport links.

The council is understood to have been in talks with the London-based museum about a Dorset centre after the success of the county's bid for World Heritage status.

Dr Margaret Rehahn, chairman of Dorchester Civic Society, said: "The society would welcome this as an excellent idea. There is going to be a need for a centre of some sort and I would welcome it in Dorchester town centre."

She added: "It could even form part of the opening up of the Roman Baths. We could have a heritage centre above the baths and put whatever we want in it."

The Natural History Museum is acclaimed for its exhibitions, displays and collection of artefacts but enjoys a worldwide reputation as a scientific centre of excellence.

If the new mini-museum plan succeeds it could boost Dorchester's prestige and earn it the same fame as a similar Tate Art Gallery offshoot in St Ives, Cornwall. Campaigners last year called for a main visitor and interpretation centre on the Eldridge Pope site after the county won World Heritage status.

John Grantham, acting director at the Dorset County Museum, said: "Anything that helps

promote the Jurassic Coast has to make a lot of sense.

"We have our own wonderful selection of fossils at the county museum, many from the coast, and we are keen to tell their story.

"Whatever helps people understand about the Dorset coast is good."

A spokesman at the Natural History Museum said: "We would not like to comment at this stage."