The leader of Walsall Council has been accused of being 'less than truthful' during a heated radio debate over the controversial closure and relocation of the town's Leather Museum.
Radio Clash Over Heritage and Truth
Councillor Mike Bird made the comments during an interview on BBC Radio WM with presenter Ed James on 14 January 2026. He stated that the current Leather Museum building on Littleton Street West has 'got no heritage at all', a claim that has sparked outrage among local campaigners.
During the show, campaigner Vicky Roden challenged the leader, asking why he was 'going against the wishes of residents and the advice of industry professionals' by closing the museum at its historic site. The council announced in September 2025 that the building would be converted into a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) facility for Walsall College.
Secret Offer and Funding Questions
Councillor Bird revealed that the authority had submitted an offer this week for a town centre property to house the museum's collection. He said that if accepted, the new location would be made public 'within six weeks'.
However, the leader faced tough questioning over funding. When caller Karen asked if Walsall taxpayers would foot the bill for purchasing and fitting out the new property, Councillor Bird replied 'no'. He clarified that money was coming from the capital programme earmarked for town centre improvements.
He also denied that council funds would be used to refurbish the existing building for the college, stating: "Once the building is transferred to the college it's down to them to do what they've got to do." This appears to contradict a statement from October 2025 by deputy leader Councillor Adrian Andrew, who confirmed that taxpayers' money from the government's Community Regeneration Partnership had already been allocated for the refurbishment.
Visitor Numbers and Priorities Defended
The council leader defended the move by highlighting the museum's running costs. He claimed it cost £17.57 for each of the 8,000 visitors over the last three years, quipping that if he 'paid every one £10 to go home', the council would save money.
Caller Karen argued that better marketing could have increased visitor numbers. Councillor Bird concluded by stating his priorities: "The Leather Museum is not being closed. It is being relocated... Special Education Needs is a priority of mine... At the end of the day my job is to look after the majority of people in Walsall, not the minority."
The dispute intensified when Vicky Roden accused the leader of closing Walsall's last museum. Councillor Bird insisted the museum on Lichfield Street remained open, leading Roden to claim that site was closed to the public and to accuse him directly of being 'less than truthful'.
