Walsall Leather Museum saved from closure after council U-turn
Plans to close a museum and relocate its collections have been scrapped following a public backlash.Walsall Council had said The Leather Museum was not getting enough visitors and it was considering moving it to a more central location.But at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, leader of the council Garry Perry announced the move from Littleton Street West would not go ahead."We have carefully considered the feedback, and the museum holds a deep significance for many people, not least those involved in Walsall's historic leather industry," he said.
The museum, which opened in 1988, is housed in a Victorian building that was once a leather factory.An online petition against the closure attracted more than 6,000 signatures, and on Saturday a demonstration took place.The petition's organiser Claire Taylor, said: "The museum represents more than just a building; it is a meeting place, an educational resource, and a symbol of our unique leather-working heritage."
Mr Perry told the cabinet meeting the relocation plan was "well-intended"."[It had] the primary aim of securing its long-term future and broadening its appeal against a backdrop of significant financial subsidy and reducing visitor numbers," he said."However, we recognise that many do not share this view, and I regret that we were unable to convince people that this was the right course of action."Walsall Leather Museum is an important part of our town's identity."While we remain committed to securing a sustainable future for Walsall's heritage, we acknowledge that any changes must be made in collaboration with those who care most deeply about it."
Lauren Broxton, who organised Saturday's demonstration, said she was "blown away" by the decision to keep the museum in its current location."We're absolutely elated, we're so happy that the council has listened," she said."The building is the museum, it's as much a part of the experience as the collections."The whole point of the museum being in that factory setting matches the humble, quiet pride of Black Country people. It's really very unique."
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edinburgh Live
2 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
The creepy Edinburgh lodge with a dark secret unknown to those walking past
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Many will walk or drive past the former City Poorhouse on Edinburgh's Comiston Road every day and see it as nothing other than a sheltered housing block. However, before its redevelopment, it lay derelict and abandoned for some time, having opened in 1870 to provide a "comfortable home for the aged and poor," but that's not all it is remembered for. The building, number 144, is said to have attracted several "puzzled" looking people carrying paperwork during the 1970's and 80's according to a former resident - who revealed the building's dark secret. READ MORE - Edinburgh woman sues charity and earns £8k compensation payout over 'holiday row' READ MORE - Edinburgh's Sir Chris Hoy shares new update on 'death sentence' cancer diagnosis Situated adjacent to the City Hospital for infectious diseases, the poorhouse became Greenlea old people's home after the Second World War and has since been converted into apartments - yet its Victorian era legacy remains. Former Edinburgh resident Mike Ashworth lived in a property in Greenbank Terrace that overlooked the poorhouse's abandoned gatehouse throughout the 1970s and 80s and says it was not uncommon to see groups of people "looking puzzled" and carrying paperwork. Mr Ashworth believes the people may have been on the hunt for the former homes of their relatives and were likely unaware that their ancestors had either lived or been born at the poorhouse. As a policy by authorities to hide the stigma of extreme poverty, he says poorhouse children were registered as being born at 144 Comiston Road, misleadingly giving the impression that they resided at the handsome East Lodge. He told Edinburgh Live: "The small building on the corner of Comiston Drive, was one of two lodges adjacent to each other and served the parallel drives to the City Poorhouse and City Hospital respectively. "On many occasions you would see people, outside the old lodge at 144, looking puzzled and consulting paperwork and some days we'd nip across the road to ask if we could help, in case they were lost or required directions. "Frequently they would have copies of old birth or death certificates that showed the address on them but they could not quite believe that this small lodge squared with the other facts as they knew them. "I was eventually told by an older neighbour that they believed the reason was the poorhouse used the address of the Lodge on Comiston Road to complete documents and forms such as registration of births and deaths to hide the stigma of the poorhouse, such was its reputation." The City Hospital was opened by King Edward VII in 1903 and was closed as a hospital in 1999. The entire site has since been converted for residential use. East Lodge closed much earlier and was demolished in 1987 for a block of retirement flats called Greenbank House. For Mike Ashworth, his memories of Greenbank House are tinged with tragedy. He recalls how his mother witnessed a worker falling to his death while the building was under construction. Mr Ashworth, a retired London Underground worker, who now lives in West Yorkshire, said: "Despite local protests the lodge was bulldozed to allow the construction of the current four-story brick block of flats with only the stone wall and gate posts remaining. "However, during construction, the new building was the site of a fatal accident, witnessed from our front window by my mother, Bernice Ashworth. "One frosty morning, as the building was almost complete, a site worker had gone to roof level in a cherry picker, to access the roof. "Sadly he left the safety of the cherry picker and, on the icy, slippery roof he fell and plunged the four stories to his death. "The subject of a fatal accident inquiry at the Sheriff Court, my mother had to attend and give evidence. "All I recall was her screaming as I entered the front room, to see a blurred falling figure, but she had seen the whole tragic accident thinking some how the poor man would hold on somehow."
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Ugliest house on the street' unrecognisable after being snapped up by DIY fan
A man has raised eyebrows after making a series of dramatic renovations to his Victorian home which was dubbed "the ugliest house on the street" - and now it's completely unrecognisable A man who snapped up the "ugliest house on the street" has completely revamped it, leaving many people stunned by its remarkable turnaround. Tackling a renovation project is anything but a walk in the park; it drains your time, eats into your wallet, and can cause many a sleepless night. But, the end result of a transformation can be so spectacular that the rigmarole seems worth it, rewarding plucky property owners with a safe home that reflects their personal style. Our homes contribute majorly to our well-being and inner happiness – and one man has dedicated himself to realising the full potential by snapping up a worn-out, dated Victorian terrace covered in drab, putty-coloured render. Ash Mazzina, a digital content creator who champions "embracing the elegance of British tradition with a touch of Italian sophistication", has built a loyal audience on social media. He's shared his extensive two-year journey in which he's completely overhauled his property. He's expertly brought the house back to life - but in line with its Victorian roots. The unattractive cladding has been stripped away to reveal the underlying brickwork which has been restored and repointed, while the tired PVC windows have been swapped for chic sash windows. Even the old PVC door has had an upgrade to a classy dark grey wooden one, boasting reeded glass panes and brass fixtures reminiscent of a past era. Inside, the impressive revamp continues. There's chic herringbone flooring in the hallway which flows into the new stylish kitchen. Previously a tired, small white space with dated white cupboards and red and black tiles, it has been rejigged with traditional shaker units in a striking dark red, complemented by wooden worktops and a Belfast sink. The living room was a blank canvas with white walls and a dark grey faux wood-effect floor, but it's now morphed into a tranquil haven of comfort, featuring dark walls and bright pops of coloured furniture. Upstairs, the bedrooms echo this blend of classic features and bold colours, softened by light-hued soft furnishings and upholstery. The bathroom exudes an atmospheric charm with its deep red hue, Victorian-style wall panelling and monochrome floor tiles. A vintage dresser houses the sink, topped with marble and paired with a decorative gold mirror to reflect light around the room. Ash gave his followers a virtual tour of the property on TikTok, writing over the footage: "You buy the ugliest house on the street and make it your dream home". In the accompanying caption, he wrote: "Here is a mini house tour, two years into our restoring our old Victorian house in London. Some of my favourite additions are the Herringbone flooring and the fireplaces. "Getting to design this house from scratch was a dream. Hopefully I can give you some inspiration to design your space, and bring back some old world charm". The post has already garnered nearly half a million likes and has been saved close to 50,000 times. In the comments section, interior design enthusiasts were eager to offer their reactions. One person shared: "Now this is a renovation". Another viewer was relieved by the work Ash has completed and said: "I was so worried this was going to be renovated like a grey new build, this is gorgeous". A third admirer said: "My eyes literally physically widened seeing the kitchen, bathroom and garden. I always find they're the hardest to get right and these are just beautiful". One TikTok fan declared: "Literally the only good house renovation I've seen on here". Another person said: "My jaw kept dropping" while someone else added: "Wow, you've definitely got an eye for beauty and this sir is beautiful. Congratulations".
South Wales Argus
20 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Hundreds form a human chain to stop cosmeston aqua park
The protest, included emotional speeches from young local voices, environmentalist comes as equipment continues to be delivered and tickets for the attraction are already on sale. This is what we know so far: The lake is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to rare species like the endangered Starry Stonewort and protected birdlife. Multiple residents have reported past accidents involving submerged metal and unsafe water conditions. Critics say the council is ignoring years of signage warning against swimming. Concerns over increased littering, microplastics, noise, and habitat disruption are widespread. Protesters accuse the council of prioritising profit over people, children and nature. Hundreds gathered once again at Cosmeston to protest Aqua park (Image: Nikita Singh) Here are the voices of young people and their thoughts on the development: Jakub Szczech (22): "This lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It's home to the endangered Starry Stonewort plant. How will a giant inflatable park and thousands of people help preserve that?" Georgia Bosley (23): "It's appalling that the Council is choosing short-term profit over biodiversity. Cosmeston is not a commercial site." Seren Jeremy (23): "There's already dangerous metal debris under the water. How can anyone say this is safe?" Georgia Williams (21): "The park is already unsafe for swimming. Add inflatables and hundreds of people and it becomes a disaster waiting to happen." Holly Beacon (22): "Why destroy such peaceful, integral habitat just to make money?" Ffion Jeremy (23): "This will devastate the ecosystem. Cosmeston may never recover." Environmental groups have also raised concerns about microplastic pollution from the inflatables and increased litter, with fears that noise and human activity will displace or endanger already declining species like moorhens, swans, and water voles. But not everyone opposes the development. Some local residents argue the Aqua Park will offer healthy recreation and attract families. In an email to this publication, Penarth father Conor Crowley wrote: "We've used the Aqua Park in Cardiff Bay for years and it's been great. This is being blown out of proportion by a few grumpy residents who think they own the park." Former First Minister Alun Michael also weighed in, saying: "If we can't put up with the sound of children enjoying themselves, what sort of society are we living in? Let's see how the pilot goes." Aqua park development at Cosmeston (Image: Nikita Singh) Still, opponents say that while they're not against fun or aqua parks in general, Cosmeston's fragile environment makes it the wrong location. Despite the outcry, the Vale of Glamorgan Council says safety tests have been conducted and lifeguards will be present. Construction continues, and the council maintains the development will support conservation and boost local leisure. With almost, 6000 signatures on a petition and protests planned including the next one on 5th of July, which is the scheduled opening day for the aqua park, the battle to save Cosmeston Country Park is only escalating. As equipment rolls in and opposition grows louder, it remains to be seen whether the council will press on -or pause to reconsider. Will local voices, protests, and ecological concerns be enough to halt the project? Or is the Aqua Park at Cosmeston now inevitable?
