The very future for culture in the county is at stake tomorrow as Herefordshire Council’s cabinet decides whether or not to back savage cuts that leave libraries and museums out on a limb.


But those at the sharp end are fighting back rallied by an unprecedented show of support.


The speed at which opposition to the proposed cuts in funding for libraries and museums countywide caught the council out.


Percentage figures pitching a position that left cultural services effectively cost neutral within the two years were put out late last week.


Subsequently, an on-line petition related to libraries alone attracted over 3,000 signatures within three days and organisers expect numbers to rise significantly once a “paper” version is put out.


Two academics from the USA wrote to the Hereford Times to record their concern at what the cuts would mean to the county’s renowned costume collection.

That collection is among nearly £3m worth of heritage assets that the council holds in trust, including an art collection worth £1m.
 

There is already talk of legal challenges to the council’s position should it continue to be maintained.
 

 

For the full story - and news on other service cuts - see tomorrow's Hereford Times.

For details on the petition, visit http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-herefordshire-s-libraries