It's business as usual at Walsall Leather Museum as petition against moving it reaches almost 3,000 signatures

Heritage attraction owner Walsall Council has unveiled proposals to move the operation to an undisclosed location elsewhere in the town centre, but campaigners want it to remain where it is at a former leatherworks site in Littleton Street West.

Now a petition launched by Claire Taylor has attracted 2,950 names since it was launched two months ago.

It is calling for a halt to the "proposed sale and closure" of the property.

Walsall's health boss Councillor Gary Flint  said: “Any relocation plan will include provisions to preserve and showcase the museum's collection effectively and ensure our heritage is celebrated in a space that reflects its importance to our community. 

"The final decision will reflect the best interests of our community, and the goal is to enhance, not diminish, the museum's role in celebrating Walsall's heritage.”

The visitor centre next to Walsall College features heritage workshop tours, an exhibition gallery, a leather goods gift shop, a coffee shop plus community rooms where regular and art and craft themed events are put on for residents of all ages including popular school holiday workshops.

The council said any relocation plan will include provisions to preserve and celebrate the museum's collection effectively.

The collection focuses on the history of the borough's famous leather industry and the lives of those who worked in the trade.  It boasts around 2,000 objects including tools, saddlery and harness, light leather goods and contemporary designs.

Among the successful activities held there is the textile craft group Stitchers & Skivers which meets monthly. It organised by the artistic museum staff for residents looking to learn how to put fabric to creative use.

 Museum assistant curator Francesca  Cox says: "I organise this lovely group called Stitchers and Skivers and it's a craft group that meets every month on the second Wednesday.

"We do all sorts of different crafts and have lots of cups of tea. There's lots of gossip and it's really good fun."

The next Stitchers & Skivers sessions are on February 12 at 10am and 1.30pm. Admission is £6.50 per person and spaces must be booked in advance by telephoning 01922 652288 or email theleathermuseum at walsall.gov.uk for more details.

Meanwhile to see the petition which has a 5,000 name target visit website change.org/p/halt-the-proposed-sale-and-closure-of-walsall-leather-museum