'It's moving, not closing' - Council responds to concern over future of much-loved Leather Museum

The announcement to relocate the leather museum was proposed in the council's draft 2025/26 budget plans, where it was said that the museum would move from its current location of Littleton Street West to a more central venue.

Now, following an increase in concern from residents in the area of a 'permanent closure' of the site, Councillor Garry Perry has reassured that the site will not disappear from the town, and that instead it will be moved to find "a more prominent and central location."

Talking about the planned move, Councillor Perry said: "The key thing to say on this topic is the museum will be moved, not closed.

“Contrary to reports, we will not disrespect our history. Rather, our plan will bring the museum to a more prominent and central location for future generations to enjoy."

The concern comes following reports that the centre will close permanently, instead of relocating to an alternative location.

In the draft budget proposal, Councillor Gary Flint, portfolio holder for Health and wellbeing at Walsall Council, said that the move was to 'ensure the long-term stability' of the museum and 'attract more visitors'.

He said: "Our ambition is to showcase our rich industrial heritage in Walsall in the heart of our town centre. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the museum we need to attract more visitors.

"We are exploring a proposal to relocate the Leather Museum from its current site to a more central town centre location, making it more accessible to both residents and visitors alike and integrated more effectively into the town's cultural and economic fabric."

Residents around Walsall town centre showed a mixed reaction to the proposed move, with some believing that the museum will disappear from the town completely.

Sarah Andrews, 41, of Leamore, said: "I read in the news that it was closing. It would be a hit to our culture, we are known for the leather industry. It's just snuffing out part of who we are.

"I think everyone in Walsall visited the museum at some point, most people go as part of a primary school visit. You can't take our heritage from the next generation."

A petition to halt the sale and closure of Walsall Leather Museum was launched by Claire Taylor, with the petition already attracting 2,950 names since it started two months ago.