MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN WALSALL

That this House recognises the extensive and vibrant collection of the New Art Gallery in Walsall as a vital cultural resource for the local community and for visitors from further afield; believes that museums and galleries are places where families can spend time together both enjoying and learning about the resources within, and participating in activities; is concerned about the impact of the recent closure of the Gallery on Sundays and Bank Holidays; notes that these are exactly the times when most people and families are able to engage in cultural activities; further believes that this significantly reduces opportunities for people and families to visit the Gallery; disapproves of the decision as not only anti-culture but anti-family; encourages people to sign the online petition calling for its reopening; further notes that following a successful appeal about rateable values from the years 2005 to 2010 the Gallery has secured business rates rebates which would help secure reopening; acknowledges that the business rate rebate would also help to make a case for an application to host the Turner Prize in Walsall; and calls on the Government and onWalsall Metropolitan Borough Council to take action to protect Walsall's cultural facilities to ensure that families are able to visit them at a suitable time.