Culture Secretary vows to protect cash-hit Walsall New Art Gallery and Walsall Leather Museum

Karen Bradley said she wanted to 'ensure' funding for the cultural and heritage projects in the town while visiting Conservative Walsall South candidate James Bird.

Both have faced funding cuts from Walsall Council.

Whilst in Walsall, the Secretary of State described Walsall Arboretum as a 'hidden gem'.

She added: “I want to see the government really get behind great facilities such as the New Art Gallery in Walsall. I am encouraging large London museums to move their exhibitions in to regional facilities, such as the New Art Gallery here in Walsall, so people can see them on their doorstep and not have to travel to London to enjoy them. I want to ensure that there is funding across the country, guaranteeing regional leisure facilities, so Walsall residents can continue to enjoy brilliant projects, like the Leather Museum, which showcase the town’s proud heritage.”

Mr Bird added: “I was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to Walsall to campaign, and was encouraged by her support for local culture and leisure facilities. Many people in Walsall and across the region enjoy visiting places like the Leather Museum and the New Art Gallery. I wholeheartedly welcome her commitment to protect and enhance local amenities, which are treasured by the community.”