A leading glass expert has accused Dudley councillors of acting like “Philistines” over the proposed closure of Broadfield House Glass Museum.

Charles Hajdamach, who was in charge of the Kingswinford museum for more than 25 years, said the closure would be catastrophic for Dudley.

“If people around the world see an internationally important venue like Broadfield Glass House closed, it will make the council look like total Philistines,” he said.

Mr Hajdamach was speaking after it emerged that thousands of glass enthusiasts are expected to sign an on-line petition that will go live next week.

The Glass Association, a national organisation which promotes and supports glass workers and their collections, has already launched a campaign to save the museum on their website and the petition will be up and running next week.

The campaign was started following the announcement that Dudley Council is considering proposals to close the museum and move all the exhibits to the Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley.

The council is currently carrying out a feasibility study in to the proposed move and is expected to make a decision this year.