FFHS-NEWS Brighton History Centre reprieved

[News from the Federation of Family History Societies]

Brighton and Hove City Council responds to public pressure

Following overwhelming support for the e-petition against the closure of the
Brighton History Centre, the press release below has appeared on the council
website at http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1219014.
Thank you to all who supported the petition.  It is good to see a council
taking note of public opinion in this way.

 

Roger Lewry
(FFHS Archives Liaison)
exec.member.rl at ffhs.org.uk
14 January 2010

-o0o-

No cutbacks to History Centres 

Leading councillors have rejected proposals to move the Brighton History
Centre and reduce opening hours at the city’s natural history museum.

The moves were included among £660,000 of savings for next year from the
council’s culture department. About £100,000 would have been saved by the
changes. 

However council leader Mary Mears has now ordered that money is diverted
from any discretionary spending, such as advertising budgets, to keep the
facilities operating as they are.

Under the original proposals, main resources at the History Centre, in the
museum building in Church Street, would have moved to Jubilee Library.  They
would then shift to Falmer when a new historical resources centre called The
Keep opens there.

The Booth Museum of Natural History in Dyke Road was to have had its opening
times cut from five and a half days to three and a half.

Councillor Mears said:  “Since this was proposed the level of affection for
these services has become very obvious, so I’ve taken the decision to
redirect some of our discretionary spending towards keeping these centres
open.  We are faced with a tough financial situation so we’ve got to ensure
that we are using public money wisely. 

“I envisage keeping the History Centre where it is until The Keep opens.

“This decision demonstrates that the council takes these issues very
seriously, that we listen carefully and then implement policies designed to
reflect public opinion.  Nobody at the council wants to reduce any services.
But lack of government funding is forcing us into these difficult choices.”

Councillor Mears also proposes to set up an independent commission to look
into the future of the city’s museums.

Councillor Mears said: “An independent commission will work with the city
council to look at how the city’s museums can be funded and managed into the
future. We face increasing pressure every year to find workable solutions,
so the best thing to do is involve some of the city’s experts to help shape
the future of our museums.”

An announcement was made today at the council’s cabinet meeting.

Over 1100 people have signed an e-petition against the History Centre move
on the council’s website.   

Officials stress the council will still press ahead with enhancing local and
family history provision at Jubilee Library, by providing access to online
and microform resources, plus additional books.  Resources at the library
also have the advantage of seven day opening.

 

 

The Federation of Family History Societies is a Company Limited by Guarantee

Company Number 2930189 (England & Wales) - Registered Charity Number 1038721

Registered Office: Artillery House, 15 Byrom Street, Manchester, England M3
4PF

 

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