Kidderminster gallery fight 'not over' warn campaigners (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Kidderminster gallery fight 'not over' warn campaigners

7:40am Friday 12th October 2012 in News

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to retain Kidderminster Library’s top-floor gallery as an arts area say they plan to “fight back” after council bosses agreed to move the purpose-built facility.

Worcestershire County Council plans will see new offices for social services staff occupy the top floor while the gallery and Steinway grand piano will be moved to the first floor and Kidderminster Town Hall respectively.

Kidderminster Gallery Friends say they will hold their own “engagement events” to allow people to comment on plans and their own “option” which could see them run the gallery.

Friends secretary Stephen Brown said: “We do not accept the decision. This fight is far from over and we intend to carry on and escalate our campaign.”

The group is also planning a festival where four separate arts and music events will be held in Kidderminster during November.

The county council claims the selected option was supported by 53 of the 82 consultation respondents over another proposal which would have seen a smaller gallery remain on the top floor.

The plans are part of the library and learning service’s bid to save £1.8 million from its budget over three years.