Two women leading the campaign to save Walsall Leather Museum have urged the newly elected Reform council to honour its election pledge to return the attraction to its historic Littleton Street West location. Lauren Broxton and Linda Boys have been fighting the relocation since October 2024, when Walsall Council first proposed moving the museum as part of its 2025/26 budget.
Campaigners Demand Accountability
Over the past 18 months, the pair organised protests, questioned council leaders, and secured support from residents, historians, leather industry experts, and BBC Repair Shop star Suzie Fletcher. The initial relocation plan was withdrawn after fierce backlash and a town centre protest, but a Conservative cabinet under former leader Mike Bird later revived it. The museum closed to the public in April 2026.
Ahead of the local elections, Reform stated it would do 'everything in its power' to return the museum to its historic location. Lauren Broxton said: 'The newly formed Reform administration made some very strong public pledges regarding the future of the museum during their election campaign. It’s important now that the new administration follows through with this and keeps their word to the community.'
Call for Transparency and Community Engagement
Broxton emphasised the need for transparency: 'Campaigners have fought tirelessly for their definitive heritage to be protected but also for transparency, accountability and access to information. There is a real chance now to set a precedent for how key decisions are made in Walsall for the future, and how local communities will be engaged and encouraged to participate.'
Linda Boys added: 'My hope is that the new administration takes a long, hard look at the decisions made through this process, particularly around the Constitution and financial decisions. The process of “we decide then consult” must stop. Walsall people have had enough of that.'
Specific Demands for Museum's Future
Boys called on Reform to 'look at all options to keep the museum where it is, and allocate the funding they said they had to the college to improve and increase the SEND provision elsewhere. They should assist the college with that process.' She also proposed establishing an arms-length board to oversee decisions at the site and ensuring the Walsall Development Plan references the museum's protection at its current location.
At a public meeting on June 22, the Leather Museum will be a central topic for councillors. Notices of motion have been submitted by both the Reform and Walsall Community Independent groups. Broxton welcomed the motions, saying: 'It is promising that a notice of motion has been included by Councillor Williams and Councillor Barker at full council, and though the local community is eager to see reversal, we welcome the careful approach of publishing key information that we have been deprived of.'
Community Support Remains Strong
Broxton also acknowledged the Walsall Community Independents party for their ongoing support: 'Equally assuring is the notice of motion from Councillor Nawaz and Councillor Hussain in calling upon the council to reconsider the relocation. The strength of feeling within the community is still remarkably strong and many are keen to see actions taken in reversing the decisions made by the previous administration.'
She concluded: 'We should not miss this opportunity to develop a sustainable future for the museum in its historic location. It has been starved of investment, marketing and development for the best part of a decade. We continue to liaise with the council to ensure them that with entrepreneurial thinking the museum has a secure, exciting and bright future.'
