Council shelves plan to move Walsall Leather Museum following public backlash - full details here

Councillor Garry Perry, leader of Walsall Council, announced the about turn at tonight's (Wednesday) meeting of the cabinet.

In November, he announced plans to relocate the museum from its present base in Littleton Street to an unspecified site in the town centre. 

It formed part of a plan to cut £29 million from the council's budget in the coming financial year.

But the move sparked howls of protest, with Walsall & Bloxwich MP Valerie Vaz joining campaigners on a march through the town on Saturday.

More than 6,000 people signed a petition opposing plans to move the museum from its present site in Littleton Street.

Councillor Perry said the ruling Conservative group had listened to feedback following a consultation on its budget proposals, and concluded that the public was strongly opposed to the plan.

"We have carefully considered the feedback, and the museum holds a deep significance for many people, not least those involved in Walsall’s historic leather industry," he said.

"As a council, we remain fully committed to preserving and enhancing Walsall’s heritage in all its forms.

"The proposal to relocate Walsall Leather Museum to a town centre location was well-intended, with the primary aim of securing its long-term future and broadening its appeal against a backdrop of significant financial subsidy and reducing visitor numbers.

"However, we recognise that many do not share this view, and I regret that we were unable to convince people that this was the right course of action."

Councillor Perry said the scheme would not now go ahead during the coming financial year. 

Instead, the council would take stock of the responses to the consultation, particularly from those with a personal interest in the leather industry.

He said the council would be arranging meetings with those involved to explore the best options for the museum to promote Walsall’s rich heritage.

“Walsall leather museum is an important part of our town’s identity," he said.

"We have listened carefully to the concerns raised, and while we remain committed to securing a sustainable future for Walsall’s heritage, we acknowledge that any changes must be made in collaboration with those who care most deeply about it.

"We look forward to engaging further with the community and industry representatives to shape the best way forward.

“We will provide further updates as discussions progress.”

Councillor Perry thanked everyone who responded to the council's budget consultation, particularly those who shared their views  on the future of the museum.