Sir - I trust I am not the one who greets the news that the HLF will give £5 million for Hartlebury Castle with less than enthusiasm.
I certainly don't blame the diocese for wanting to downsize and relocate to Worcester. But it has managed to do so-and to discharge its responsibilities regarding the Hurd Library, at others expense.
Crucially, it means that our County Museum will be remain out at Hartlebury. It is a beautiful location, but it is basically in the middle of nowhere and attracts comparatively few visitors.
The City and County councils have missed a golden opportunity to move the museum to Worcester, our county city, where it surely belongs.
Even more seriously, the medium to long-term future of the museum is not secure. Running separate city and county museums is a lot more expensive than a joint facility in a location which would attract many more visitors.
Even in a previously better national economic situation, the County Council was strapped for cash. The HLF is giving a capital sum, but the museum needs long-term revenue which can only be achieved from a much larger number of visitors. It has always belonged in Worcester-and it still does.
Francis Lankester
Worcester
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