KIDDERMINSTER had proudly built its local history collection at the library for more than a century.

Realising that culture and education are vital to the health of people in a civilised society, the basis for this magnificent facility was laid by, among others, Daniel Wagstaff Goodwin, who gave the land, and Michael Tomkinson, who was the driving force behind the growth of a free library. Although we live now in a far richer society, it seems that the results of their work and that of those who followed them are to be thrown away.

As a consequence of the destruction of the gallery on the second floor to make way for social services offices, space on the first floor will be reduced. A review of the local history collection is being undertaken, with a view to removing part of the collection to other places, including the Hive in Worcester. This review has not so far involved local authors or heritage groups, even though consultation has been requested. It seems that any review will take place only when the decisions affecting space are final.

The proposed damage to our fine library is being vigorously led by Kidderminster councillors John Campion and Marcus Hart. We wonder if they understand that the county does not simply revolve around Worcester and that the Kidderminster district has its own tradition. At a time when he is committed to the destruction of Kidderminster’s gallery, it was insensitive of Mr Campion to have his photograph taken opening an art exhibition in the expanded cultural space now enjoyed by Worcester following the building of the Hive.

The local history collection at Kidderminster Library is wonderful. It is invaluable for the people of Wyre Forest who are researching their family history. It has made possible the many recent books written about the district.

It is vital that it is kept intact. It is vital also that there is adequate space to ensure that the conditions for quiet research are maintained.

It is understood that money needs to be saved. But that does not justify an apparent carelessness about how that is done. There is no evidence of serious consultation with local cultural organisations, or of a general assessment about how Kidderminster and District fares culturally and of the impact of the proposal upon it. We call upon the political leaders in Wyre Forest to ensure that our cultural needs are treated as seriously as those of Worcester people.

Signed by local authors, researchers and officers of heritage societies: PAULINE ANNIS, Chairman, Stourport Civic Society

ROBERT BARBER ROB BLAKEWAY, Chairman, Chaddesley Corbett Local History Society

MARGARET BRADLEY, researcher and teacher

STEVE BRAGGINTON

NORMAN BROADFIELD, Chairman, Wyre Forest Historical Research Group

SUSAN BROWN BETTY CASWELL, Leader of Cookley Village History Group

JOHN COMBE

SALLY DICKSON

HEATHER FLACK

CAROLE GAMMOND

DON GILBERT

NIGEL GILBERT, Chairman, Historic Kidderminster Project

NICKY GRIFFITHS

MAGGIE HERBERT, Hartlebury History Society

NICK HUGHES, Chairman, Kidderminster Civic Society

NIGEL KNOWLES

BOB MILLWARD

BETTY PARK

RICHARD PERRIN, Chairman, Bewdley Civic Society

CHARLES PURCELL, Treasurer, Bewdley Historical Research Group

ALAN SCAPLEHORN, Chairman, Bewdley Historical Research Group

ANGELA SHUTTES

ELAINE SMITH, President, Wolverley and Cookley Historical Society

MELVYN THOMPSON, Kidderminster Carpet Museum Trust historian

MATTIE UNDERHILL

GEOFF WEALE

BILL WOOD, Vice-chairman, Kidderminster and District Archaeological and Historical Society