LEADING politicians say they will try to ensure York residents are spared new admission charges to York Art Gallery after next month’s City of York Council elections.

The Press revealed earlier this week that York Museums Trust will charge £7.50 for entry when the gallery’s doors reopen on August 1, in the wake of of an £8 million refurbishment and following a recent £500,000 cut in its annual grant from the council.

Chief executive Janet Barnes said continuing free entry for York Card holders – available for people who live in the city – was one of a number of “difficult issues” that would need to be thrashed out with whoever was in charge of the authority after the elections.

Councillor Dave Taylor, of York Green Party, said yesterday that charges, particularly if applied to residents, would be a “bitter blow.”

He claimed introducing a tourist tax – on a similar basis to many European city destinations where a small charge was added to hotel and B&B bills – could allow for the council to fund admission for all residents.

Tory group leader Chris Steward said news of the charges was “very disappointing,” and he wanted to see free entry maintained, at least for York Card holders, and called for the council to have discussions with the trust.

Labour council leader Dafydd Williams said the authority would be keen to have a dialogue with the trust if it was considering any charges for York residents.

“Labour is keen to see free or concessionary access for residents to as much of the city’s learning and cultural offer as possible, particularly for children so they grow up experiencing the many benefits,” he added.

A Liberal Democrat spokesman said its councillors would look to the trust to stand by an existing commitment to free entry for York Card holders but recognised a more detailed discussion would be needed after May.

Judith Morris, of Ukip, said charges were a “sign of the times.”

 

The public gives its views on new charges

Dan Allen asked people outside the art gallery for their views on the introduction of admission charges

York Press:

Jonathan Prendergast, 61, a bingo hall owner, of Easingwold: “An art gallery should be free, even the National Gallery doesn’t charge for entry. To see art should be free.”

 

York Press:

Jane Abramson, 66, a part-time lecturer, of Leeds: “I don’t know if people will actually pay to get in. Maybe if they just charged for special exhibitions that might justify it. I don’t think it should be more than £5.”

 

Gladys Strawbridge, 69, a retired civil servant, of Leeds: “The people who can’t afford it won’t go and that’s the really distressing thing. I don’t think they should be charging at all.”

 

Anna Oultram, 31, of Railway Terrace, York, who works in finance: “I love going to different free attractions. For me that would be a big shame. You find hidden gems when you go to free attractions.

 

Ron Hood, 67, of London, a retired IT worker: “I’m a great believer in not charging for museums and art galleries. We have lots of freebies in London so it would be difficult. It would be difficult to see people coming to pay when it is free elsewhere.