I READ with great sadness the Forge Mill Museum and Bordesley Abbey site may be forced to close.

I am a volunteer at the museum and would like to put forward a few suggestions that might help regenerate the site:

Firstly, an on-site caf is needed as people like to stop for refreshments after a tour, especially when they have travelled some distance.

The facilities of the museum could be used for private functions and children's parties.

Classes could be arranged for adults on benefits who could pay a nominal amount to cover the costs of materials and learn crafts such as embroidery, tapestry and quilt-making.

I am sure the Royal School of Needlework would be able to provide advice.

I worked in a small museum in London and when the new caf opened, it became popular as a lunchtime venue. Visitors came in often and the museum discovered new people who became interested in the programme of events throughout the year. The local people who had known the museum since their childhood renewed their interest and visited the gardens, had lunch and strolled around the exhibits.

It would be a great loss if the two sites were to close because another part of our history would be lost and we must make people more aware of their heritage.

With all the new building going on in Redditch, the time is now ripe to approach local stores to sponsor the museum.

Sainsbury's could help with the caf and Homebase with the garden plants and furniture. I am sure other stores could contribute in some way.

Remember it was Sainsbury's who donated the funding for the new wing of the National Gallery in London. Get cracking, all you influential people.

Pauline Wheatcroft

Pembridge Close

Winyates West