Fears have been raised over the future of Ashby Museum following a proposal to stop a North West Leicestershire District Council grant of £1,500.

Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Chris Smith, says the suggestion is 'short-sighted and mean-spirited'.

Cllr Smith has urged the District Council to reverse the proposal - and for local residents to make their feelings known.

Writing on social media, Cllr Smith posted: "I was very disappointed to see the District Council proposal to stop their £1500 annual grant to the Ashby Museum.

"This is a very short-sighted and mean spirited proposal.

"It will have an impact on the museum completely out of proportion to the benefit to the overall financial position of the District Council.

"The Museum is a huge asset to Ashby: the extensive recording and displaying of artifacts; the educational work with young and old; and the visitors attracted to the town. The museum has won many accolades (Leicestershire museum of the year ) and recently reconfirmed its full Accreditation Status by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

"Run solely run by volunteers, the museum is highly dependent on grant funding.

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"They have relied on the £1500 grant for nearly two decades (it has never increased) as a major input for their utilities bill. They would need an extra 1,000 adult visitors a year for its equivalent income.

"I urge the District Council to reverse this proposal and for all residents to make their views known to their District Councillor."