Walsall councillors convened last night in a lengthy and heated session to address the future of the Leather Museum and its place within the community. Nearly half of the three-and-a-half-hour meeting was dedicated to discussions about preserving the museum at its historic, Grade II listed location on Littleton Street West.
Two motions were brought forward by leaders of the Reform and Walsall Community Independents (WCI) groups, alongside a question from prominent museum campaigner Lauren Broxton. The WCI proposed a motion urging the Reform party to honor its pre-election promise to “do everything in its power” to return the cherished attraction to its original site.
Council Leader Councillor Elaine Williams affirmed that Reform remains committed to this pledge. The WCI’s motion received overwhelming support from councillors, with only the seven Conservative members present dissenting. Since the May elections, the Conservative group has been led by Councillor Adrian Andrew, who previously supported the controversial 2025 plan to relocate the museum and repurpose its building for Walsall College’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) services—currently housed at Hawbush Road.
READ MORE: The UK’s Top 10 Day Trips Revealed, Featuring Five Near Birmingham
READ MORE: Moss to Close Iconic New Street Store After 28 Years
Councillor Andrew defended the plan, asserting that using the museum space for SEND provision would benefit more Walsall residents than the museum currently does. He stated, “To tie the administration’s hands by taking away the potential for that SEND provision would be reprehensible.” In response, Councillor Nawaz countered, “It’s a false choice to say that we either choose SEND or the museum. This borough is big enough to do both.”
Additionally, a Notice of Motion from Reform leader Elaine Williams and her deputy Councillor Nicky Barker called for full transparency on the costs and lease details related to the museum’s future. This includes the previously withheld £47,550 Walsall Museum Feasibility Study and estimated expenses to reverse the prior cabinet decision, all to be published within 21 days.
Councillor Simran Cheema expressed confusion over the motion, questioning why Reform sought formal permission instead of taking immediate action. Three amendments were proposed by the Conservatives, WCI, and Councillor Cheema, with the Conservative amendment—mirroring Reform’s original resolution but including more information—being approved.
Councillor Andrew concluded, “I support this because some believe the previous administration has something to hide. When all is revealed, you’ll see there’s nothing to hide.”