Plans to charge entry at new Shrewsbury museum and art gallery
Charges for general admission are being considered for Shrewsbury's new £10.5 million Museum and Art Gallery – sited in the old Music Hall building – when it finally opens early next year, it emerged today.
Richard Davies, service manager for Shrewsbury Museums, told a public meeting at the Guildhall last night the site will open to the public in "early 2014" as construction enters its final stages.
But the meeting heard Shropshire Council's cabinet will discuss options for a charging policy next month.
Mr Davies said no decisions have been made yet.
Councillor Alan Mosley, leader of the Labour party, said he understood charges of £4 for adults, £2 for children and free for children aged up to four years old are being considered.
About 70 people who attended the meeting unanimously voted against the idea of charges for general admission.
Reverend Richard Hayes, resident priest of St Alkmund's Church, said charging for basic admission would be a "retrograde" step.
"When it comes to special exhibitions, of course one charges for those. But I hope the general collection will be free to the public," he said.