Lib Dems submit motion to halt Pickford's House closure

12.00.00am GMT Mon 16th Jan 2006

The Liberal Democrat group on Derby City Council have submitted a motion calling for Pickford's House Museum to remain open to the general public. The ruling Labour group plan to close Pickford's House to the ordinary visitors and only allow invited groups to visit.

Leader of Derby Lib Dem Councillors, Cllr Hilary Jones said, "We have submitted this motion because Pickford's House is an important part of Derby's heritage and we don't want to see it closed to the general public. Many people have contacted us asking what can be done to keep the museum open to the general public. This motion will give the Labour Council the chance to change its mind. With visitor numbers up by about 10% recently, it flies in the face of common sense to restrict people from visiting this successful local museum.

"I hope the Council will take this opportunity to signal a change of heart on the issue. We in the Liberal Democrats want to keep Derby's heritage open to the general public."

"Pickford's House Museum, on Friargate Derby, was described as "A little gem" by the English Tourism Board last year.