A visitors' centre proposed for Egham, UK, dedicated to the signing of the Magna Carta is struggling to get funding, with Surrey City Council (SCC) this week announcing it was withdrawing £5m from the project.

Runnymede Borough Council (RBC), which had been working with SCC to develop the visitor attraction, will decide at its corporate management committee this month whether to continue its commitment to the project.

The 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta will be in 2015.

SCC cabinet member for community services Helyn Clack said the centre was a good idea in principle but the council is not convinced the site is right or the centre would open in time to mark the 2015 anniversary.

RBC chief executive Paul Turrell said SCC had been clear the funding would be available only if remaining funding could be found.

However, he said the council remained convinced the centre would be a valuable resource, which could boost the local economy and provide a legacy to "one of the most important events in English history."

Clack said SCC was still determined to celebrate the landmark date and ensure Surrey got maximum benefit from it.