Anger over plan to cut Wolverhampton museum times

A controversial council decision to slash opening hours at four popular arts venues in Wolverhampton has come under fire from visitors.

Around 40 people attended a meeting at Bantock House to raise their concerns about the proposals, which would see the historic attraction close on weekdays and only remain open during school holidays and weekends.

Bilston Craft Gallery, the City Archives and the Art Gallery also fall under the review.

Speaking on Monday evening, Marguerite Nugent, manager for arts and culture at Wolverhampton Council, said: "The challenge for us is to try to develop the site to make the best use of what we have and to engage with existing stakeholders.

"We know that Bantock House is popular when events are held on a weekend and over the summer months the attendance has been high.

"So the proposal would be to keep it open Saturday, Sundays and school holidays."

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Ms Nugent listens to questions with Councillor John Reynolds

The city's economy boss, Councillor John Reynolds, has previously said that the authority believes 'current opening times for these four venues are not cost-effective at a time when local authorities are having to manage huge central government cuts'.

Four key areas were discussed about the site including maximising footfall, making events programmes more popular, developing and expanding community activities and schools and business use.

Attendees suggested ideas of closing the site during winter months.

John Reynolds and chair of Bantock House Museum David Austwick

Tony Perry, who runs the gift shop at St Peter's Church in the city, said: "A lot of people come to us in the week and we suggest for them to come here.

"The idea of closing it during winter months but keeping it open day to day would be much better."

Christopher McWilliams, aged 61, who has lived opposite the park for more than 30 years, said: "My family have grown up coming here and enjoying the park for many years.

"To close in the winter would be better as they would be saving on utilities and there are not a lot of people about - so it would make much more sense. But I don't have much confidence from a meeting like this as I feel it is a done deal."

Councillor Reynolds added: "If there was going to be a good number of visitors then it would be logical to have it open, but the main thing we are looking at is the most effective time to have it open and what will work best for everyone."

The consultation will close this Friday.

A survey can be filled out at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CulturalSites