Walsall Council breached Freedom of Information regulations concerning the controversial Leather Museum project, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has determined. Campaigners have spent over a year fighting to preserve the beloved attraction at its original site on Littleton Street West, a Grade II listed Victorian leather factory.
Museum Closure and Relocation Plans
The museum closed its doors in April ahead of a planned move to 1-3 The Bridge, where it will share space with the council's children's services. The relocation scheme also involves moving Walsall College's SEND provision from Hawbush Road into the former museum building, at a cost of £2.4 million of public funds.
Campaigner's FOI Request
Lead campaigner Linda Boys submitted a Freedom of Information request in November 2025, seeking details about a £47,550 feasibility study that was never made public, alternative site options for the SEND offering, and the council's asset management process. The council failed to respond within the statutory 20 working days.
Ms. Boys has questioned whether cabinet members ever reviewed the Walsall Future Museum feasibility assessment before approving the plans in September 2025. Most recommendations from the leaked study have been ignored.
ICO Ruling and Council Response
The ICO ruled that Walsall Council breached Section 10 of the FOI Act and ordered a substantive response by June 13, 2026. A council spokesperson confirmed compliance with the ICO's requirements.
Ms. Boys stated: "You've got to ask, why has it been such a struggle for any information from a council that keeps telling us they're open and transparent and have nothing to hide? We've still got loads of unanswered questions or things that are in dispute."
The council spokesperson said: "The council has acknowledged and complied with the Information Commissioner's requirements in relation to this request, and the information was disclosed within the required timeframe."
Political Reactions and Next Steps
During the recent local elections, Reform UK criticised the ruling Conservatives over the Leather Museum plans, pledging to return the attraction to Littleton Street West. A full council debate on the topic is scheduled for Monday night.
Ms. Boys added: "We're pretty much at a point now where it's in the hands of the politicians. I would expect them to honour what they set out in their manifesto and their commitments they made. Whoever is in administration, we will continue to hold their feet to the fire."
