Protesters have rallied outside of Walsall’s Leather Museum to oppose its closure.
The event came after Walsall Town Council proposed the sale of the site.
Around 40-50 people gathered on 8th February after marching from the Sister Dora Statue to the site.
The town’s Labour MP, Valerie Vaz, also attended the protest.
She said: “Culture is important for people in Walsall – and it’s important for future generations to know that we are preserving that heritage.
“It’s part of the real fabric of Walsall, and that’s why it’s important to keep it there.”
The former factory has been standing since 1891, having been renovated into a museum in 1988.
The town has a history in leather industries, with local factories producing horse saddles, clothing and even Queen Elizabeth II’s handbags.
One organiser, Vicky Roden, said: “The fact that you have a living history museum available for free for anyone during a cost-of-living crisis, growing up having this on your doorstep was magnificent.”
Vicky is one of three people who organised the event, including Lauren Broxton, and Jenny Gilbert.
The movement against the proposed closure started as an online petition in November 2024 and has since seen more than 6,000 people show support.
Cllr Eileen Russell, said: “People see Walsall as an impoverished town, but it had a very rich history. Now, people have been deprived of those good things.”
The town centre has seen multiple business closures in the past few years.
Gavin Williams, who attended the protest, said: “The shops are all under threat, the council is looking to save money.
“But closing part of our heritage is a step in the wrong direction.”
For more details on the Leather Museum click here.