ALL too often, museums fall victim to cuts.

The news that three museums in Kirklees could close, according to the council's Revenue Budgets, has led to concern among those running the venues that the region could lose valuable cultural assets.

Three years ago the future of Red House Museum, in Gomersal, was under threat. The historic house, which was the inspiration for Briarmains in Charlotte Bronte's novel, Shirley, was being considered for closure as part of council cost-cutting initiatives.

Despite being given a reprieve, while supporters looked at initiatives to make it financially viable, the chairman of the Friends of Red House Museum believes there is no room for complacency.

According to Kirklees Council's Revenue Budgets 2015-2016-2017/2017-18, the council currently operates five museums but this could be reduced to two prompting concern for those involved in protecting our local museums.

The introduction of an entrance fee at Red House, and its subsequent promotion as a wedding venue are contributing to the running costs but its promotion - and use by the public - is vital for its future.

Friends chairman Jacqueline Ryder is eager to promote the museum and raise its profile.

"I think all the museums are being reviewed and the council officers will make their proposals according to their heads rather than their hearts," she says. "I think the future of the museums is still being discussed and groups like ours are doing our best to increase visitors and are putting on a variety of events and helping the staff to put on other events as well, simply to raise visitor numbers, raise awareness and try to raise income.

"I know the council has been given some challenging budgets to meet at all the museums in terms of income and visitors."

It is two years since Red House offered its facilities as a wedding venue and it is becoming a popular place for couples planning their nuptials.

"It is beginning to take off now. We have got bookings for one and two years ahead," says Jacqueline.

The Friends of Red House was formed in 2013 in response to the previous review of local museums.

Jacqueline says the idea behind the group was to help raise the museum's profile, to encourage more people to visit and take advantage of the facility.

Red House was built by William Taylor in 1660, and the Taylor family, cloth merchants who owned it until 1920. The Grade II listed museum is popular with Bronte enthusiasts through its connections to Charlotte Bronte. The Taylor family were friends of the Bronte family and Mary Taylor, the daughter, was a well-known feminist and a close friend of Charlotte's.

It was while visiting the Taylors in the mid 19th century that Charlotte is thought to have been inspired by the house.

"It was first built in 1660, the first part of it goes back a long way," says Jacqueline. "The Taylor family, quite apart from the Bronte connections, the were influential. They even had their own bank at one period.

"Mary went off to New Zealand and started her own business. She was the feminist of her day."

Maintaining the museum and its award-winning gardens is imperative to preserving the history and importance of the place for generations to come.

Jacqueline says it is 'absolutely vital' and says they are already planning a series of events to increase the number of visitors.

"Keeping the visitor numbers up, promoting the fact that it is there and it is still open and we are putting on a programme for the winter months for next spring," she says. "The staff are very committed and have got so many ideas. We just want to do as much as we can."

"I think it is a very critical time, particularly over the summer, because there will be more budget choices to be made over the autumn.

"People have to value what is on their doorstep."

Councillor Graham Turner, Kirklees Council cabinet member for resources, says it is expected that a decision on the future of the museums will be made mid to late autumn.

"There is a reduction in budget but what we have to do is protect as many services as possible," he said.

He said within the budget it may not be possible to save all the Kirklees museums, and he said the council will work with groups to protect as many as they can.