The Public supporters declare a sad day for arts as £72m site to close

After it was announced the £72 million site in West Bromwich will close, hundreds of people voted in an online poll over whether the correct decision was made, with some even calling for the resignation of Sandwell Council leader Darren Cooper.

Last week, Sandwell council took the decision to cut funding to Sandwell Arts Trust, which currently runs The Public. The site will close on November 30 if the moves are given final approval tomorrow.

Dozens took to the Express & Star website to have their say.

Among them was reader Henry, who wrote: "Shame on you Darren Cooper. You are single-handedly ruining the prospects of the borough you represent. This is a sad day.

"Not everybody gets their cultural value in this borough from football and fishing."

Pete said: "This building needs to be kept in public ownership.

"It's a truly unique building, way ahead of its time, and a credit to the people of West Bromwich.

"The simple fact remains that the building was paid for by the council tax payer, hence it belongs to the council tax payer and the council have no right to dispose of it just because it suits them."

Ian Taylor added: "Love it or hate it, The Public makes West Bromwich unique and is a facility used by many residents in Sandwell. It is a community hub, where different ethnic groups and people of all ages converge.

"The Public has just got on track and visitor numbers are on the increase. Closing the place is madness and a waste of all that money that has been spent on it." The move will leave 30 businesses, 60 staff and 120 apprentices with uncertain futures. Talks are already under way with Sandwell Council to use the building as a sixth-form centre for 500 A-level students.

While some voiced their dismay at the closure, some said they understood the plans.

On the E&S website, reader Albrightondek said: "I feel sorry for the people who will be losing their jobs, but for the sake of the council taxpayers it's probably the right decision.

"When other vital services are being cut in the community, there can be no justification for subsidising an ill advised loss-making venture."

A user called 'Fed up tax payer' added: "Having never been a fan of what was deemed an 'art' centre in West Bromwich, I think it's design would most suit a nightclub or indoor skate park etc.

"I can only hope our council can negotiate a deal which puts some cash back in the pot to avoid our council tax escalating once central government takes its foot off the free spenders' necks."