Gallery responds to price outrage

Controversial art gallery The Public will be dishing out 1,000 free tickets to visitors following the furore over sky-high prices.

The pink gallery in West Bromwich town centre came under fire last week after it was announced visitors would have to pay an entrance fee of almost £7.

Adults will normally pay £6.95 and children and concessions will be charged £4.95 to get in, plus extra to make their own art to take away with them.

Two adults and two children will be charged £20 to visit the interactive gallery, which opens on June 28.

Critics say the prices are too expensive, prompting bosses to today announce discounts as part of a special launch offer. Councillor Bob Badham, Sandwell Council's planning and regeneration chief, said: "Over the coming weeks we will be giving away over 1,000 free tickets."

Annual membership will cost Sandwell residents £10. This entitles them to two free tickets, 10 per cent off further tickets, as well as discounts to some events and from the cafe bar and the gallery shop.