Erewash MP Maggie Throup has urged the Borough Council to pause the proposed cuts to the Erewash Museum.
Erewash Borough Council’s 2023/24 Budget, which was passed unilaterally without prior consultation with either staff or key stakeholders, contains proposals to reduce the Museum’s operating hours from 24 to just 15. The current proposal also includes plans to close the Museum on a Tuesday as well as making staff redundant.
Maggie commented: “For over 40 years, Erewash Museum, located at the Grade II listed Dalby House, has acted as the custodian of our local heritage. I am disappointed that Erewash Borough Council has approved a proposal that will cut funding to the Museum.
“I believe that this decision is short sighted and would indeed go further in expressing my fear that, should the Borough Council not take immediate action to safeguard the long-term future of the Museum, we may well risk losing it forever.”
The Erewash Museum is an award-winning visitor attraction and community hub, regularly featuring in the list of the top 10 family-friendly museums in the country. The Museum is at the heart of the local community and among other things, offers support for people suffering from loneliness, isolation, and mental health issues.
Maggie added: “I have written to the Chief Executive of Erewash Borough Council, requesting that the proposals are paused and the Borough Council instead work with the Friends of Erewash Museum to commission a comprehensive feasibility study into services at Dalby House, in order that the Erewash Museum can continue to prosper for many years to come.”