'We're elated by the u-turn to keep Walsall Leather Museum where it is' campaigners say
Campaigners fighting to save Walsall's historic Leather Museum site are celebrating after council bosses shelved plans to move the facility after a public outcry.
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At a Walsall Council cabinet meeting on Wednesday leader Councillor Garry Perry said the budget proposal to move the visitor centre's activities from the former leather workshop in Littleton Street West to an undisclosed location was being dropped.
It was part of the Tory-led council's projections to slash cut £29 million from the council's budget in the next financial year.
The change of heart has been welcomed by campaigners who said efforts were needed to raise the profile of the attraction to increase visitor numbers and income.
Protest organiser, Lauren Broxton who is a fashion designer, said: "We are all absolutely elated today about the council's decision.
"It has been a really tough four or five weeks which left us astounded at how we managed to get enough traction to make an impact not only in the community, but from the entire leather industry which has got behind us and given the campaign the visibility it deserved.
"It just goes to show how widespread Walsall's heritage and culture is. We are under no illusions about the heard work that lies ahead and we are making plans to meet with the appropriate council managers next month regarding the way forward.
