Sunday, February 16, 2025
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Public meeting will debate future of Abbey House Museum

A public meeting has been called to discuss the future of Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall.

The museum could be closed in a bid to save Leeds City Council £160,000, sparking opposition across the city.

A protest was held at the museum last week, a public consultation into the plans closed on Thursday and a petition opposing the proposals has so far gathered more than 6,200 signatures.

Campaigners gathered outside closure-threatened Abbey House Museum. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield

Following protesters’ requests for a public meeting, the Kirkstall councillors have organised one for Sunday, 9 February 11am-12pm, at Kirkstall Valley Development Trust, St Stephen’s Church Hall, Norman Street. The meeting will be chaired by Alderman Liz Minkin, a former Kirkstall councillor.

A social media post by Kirkstall councillors Hannah Bithell, Andy Rontree and Fiona Venner (all Labour) said: “While Sunday is an unusual time for a public meeting, the date and time was set around the availability of Alderman Minkin, the councillors and the venue.

“Following the fantastic attendance at the demonstration last Saturday it is apparent that weekends may be easier for people to attend than weekday evenings.”

The meeting is being held before the Executive Board meeting on Wednesday, 12 February where the council budget for 2025-26 will be discussed. Also,

It is hoped to have council officers from Museums and Galleries at the meeting.

Threat: Abbey House Museum. Photo: Sonia Koren

Background

The local authority is proposing to close Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall as it faces an unprecedented strain on its finances.

Job losses, service cuts, building closures and a council tax rise of almost five per cent are also being considered by the authority.

Figures show the council needs to save around £106m during 2025/26 to avoid having it declare itself bankrupt. The Abbey House Museum closure could save £160,000.

The council faces rising costs in services including adult social care, while central Government has underfunded local authorities across the country over the past 15 years.

WLD cutswatch

Follow WLD‘s ongoing coverage of Abbey House Museum here

WLD is following ongoing council cuts, closures, building sales and reaction in our Cutswatch series of articles.

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