By John Baron
A petition asking Leeds City Council to halt proposals to close Abbey House Museum has passed the 3,000-name mark.
The petition was started two weeks ago by Burley resident Stuart Long in response to the council’s proposal to close the museum as part of its 2025/26 budget.
Mr Long said: “As a resident affected deeply by the potential closure of the Abbey Museum, I cannot stand by while the Leeds City Council plans to close a piece of our city’s rich history.
“Abbey Museum is not just a building; it is a historical landmark and a valuable resource to the people of Leeds. It serves as an educational hub, a place where history is not only preserved but also brought to life.”
The petition can be found here Change.org/DownAbbeyMuseum.
Leeds City Council’s consultation into the proposed closure runs until 23 January 2025 and feedback can be completed here.
Inside Abbey House Museum. Photo: Sonia Koren
Background
Leeds City Council is proposing to close Abbey House Museum as it faces an unprecedented strain on its finances.
Job losses, service cuts, building closures and a council tax rise of almost five per cent are also being considered by the authority.
Latest figures show the council needs to save £106.4m during 2025/26 to avoid having it declare itself bankrupt. The Abbey House Museum closure could save £160,000.
The council faces rising costs in services including adult social care, while central Government support of local authorities has decreased over the past 14 years.
Follow WLD‘s ongoing coverage of Abbey House Museum here.
WLD Cutswatch
WLD is following ongoing council cuts, closures and building sales in our Cutswatch series of articles.
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