James BovingtonBy James Bovington
East Leeds residents are being urged to have their say as opposition continues to grow to Leeds City Council’s proposals to close Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall in a bid to help balance its budget.
An online petition against the closure proposal has gathered more than 4,500 signatures in a month. It might be that many in East Leeds are unaware that they can express their view in formal consultation concerning the proposal, which would also see Leeds residents charged for entry to the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey for the first time.
Burley resident and community activist Stuart Long hasn’t waited for the outcome of a consultation that some are saying masks a decision already taken to close the museum and is urging Leeds people to sign the online petition he’s created to that effect.
Mr Long said: “I just can’t stand by while Leeds City Council plans to shut a piece of our city’s rich history. Abbey Museum is a historical landmark and a valuable resource to the people of Leeds. It serves as an educational hub and a place where history is not only preserved but brought to life.”
The proposals come at a time when Leeds like other councils throughout England is facing an unprecedented financial squeeze and it may be that an innovative approach to Abbey House is needed to guarantee its preservation for future generations.
Details of the consultation – which ends 23 January – can be found here.
Here is the link for the petition opposing the closure created by Stuart Long.
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