Museum of glass past

An iconic museum showcasing Stourbridge's glassmaking heritage under one roof could be built in the borough within the next six years.

Dudley Council is looking at establishing a new museum and tourism facility which would act as a single port of call for people interested in finding out more about the area's history.

Details are at the very early stages but the plans have been identified by the council's culture and leisure team as one of its key priorities between 2009 and 2014.

Duncan Lowndes, assistant director for the urban environment, said: "We are looking into possible options.

"We are carrying out a feasibility study to see if it is a realistic proposition."

Possible locations for the museum have not been revealed by the authority although it is thought it could be on the site of the Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley.

Currently there are a number of attractions reflecting the area's heritage spread across the borough.

These include Wordsley's Red House Glass Cone, Broadfield House Glass Museum in Kingswinford, Ruskin Glass Centre in Amblecote and the Bonded Warehouse in Stourbridge.

Wollaston and Stourbridge Councillor Malcolm Knowles said it would make sense to bring all the attractions under one roof.

He said: "It sounds a logical thing to do."