A MUSEUM with close links to the Brontes is set to close next month under key proposals to restructure museums and galleries in Kirklees.

Red House Museum in Gomersal is one of two museums that are recommended for closure as Kirklees Council centres on retaining three museum venues as part of its new vision for culture in the district.

The move comes as the authority's museums and galleries budget is cut by half from April next year.

Oakwell Hall and Country Park in Birstall and Bagshaw Museum are to stay under the final proposals, which would also see the creation of a new Huddersfield Museum and Art Gallery.

In the short term, Tolson Museum and the current art gallery will be retained to maintain a presence in south Kirklees.

But it is the historic Red House, where Charlotte Bronte was a frequent visitor, immortalising the house in her second novel, Shirley, as well as Dewsbury Museum that are set for closure.

John Thirwell, chairman of the Brontë Society, said: "The Brontë Society is concerned and saddened to learn of the likely closure of Red House in Gomersal.

"However, we look forward to continuing our conversations with Kirklees Council to explore how the Brontes’ links with this historic building and the local community are not lost."

Local councillor David Hall (Con, Liversedge and Gomersal), leader of the Conservative group on the council, said he was disappointed at the recommendations.

“I would have hoped that the council could have come up with some innovative ways of keeping this facility open,” he said.

“Maybe teaming the site management with the public hall next door which itself is under threat.

“My fear is that if the museum closes it will fall into ruin unless a buyer is found imminently, and that would be a tragedy for Gomersal and for Kirklees.”

If Cabinet members agree to the proposals, expressions of interest will be invited for those museums that are no longer required. Collections will also be transferred to other museum buildings or to a storage facility.

Cabinet Member for Creative Kirklees, Councillor Graham Turner, said the proposals had been drawn up following a period of engagement with service users and the public.

He said: “It is clear that many residents love and value the buildings we have, but if we do not close any of the sites it will be impossible to achieve the savings we need to make.

"With a constantly diminishing budget, we have to change the cultural offer but I believe the proposed changes will ensure that we can deliver a service for the residents of Kirklees that tells our story, in a different and more up to date way.”

Cllr Turner added: “Changing lifestyles and increasing culture and leisure choices mean that the museum and galleries service needs to radically transform if it is to be relevant and resilient in the 21st century and make an impact on the district’s priorities.

It is expected that Red House and Dewsbury Museum will stay open until at least the end of next month.

Oakwell Hall and Bagshaw will continue to operate, and long term plans will be drawn up to increase visitor numbers. Tolson Museum and Huddersfield Art Gallery will continue to operate until a replacement is nearing completion.

Cabinet members will meet to discuss the proposal on Monday, October 3.