Maidstone Council plans to commercialise its museums, while setting up a business team to cut the cost of its culture and leisure services.

Maidstone in Kent has three museums - The Tyrwhitt Drake Museum of Carriages, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regimental Museum and Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery - all of which will be affected by the new policy.

The business team will adapt the current museum business plan, seeking new ways to use the venues to generate additional revenue.

Proposals include the creation of a leisure card - offering discounts and promotions to visitors - and the development of an adventure zone, café and retail outlet in a local park.