Art Gallery visitors will be charged to see York's renowned collection in the latest round of savings proposed by council chiefs.

Plans to scrap free entry for tourists have been announced as City of York Council battles to make up a £4.7 million budget deficit.

The adult charge of more than £2 for non-York residents would be expected to swell the authority's coffers by £50,000.

It is hoped the extra revenue would be reflected by increased educational events.

But it is feared it could result in dropped attendances at the gallery, which currently offers free entry.

The council also proposes selling off items from the city's museum collections which are not considered to be of great value, which is expected to raise £20,000.

The proposals, which will be discussed at the council's leisure services committee meeting on Thursday, also include setting up a consortium with other local authorities to buy library books.

Plans have been announced to cut £2,000 of funding to Rowntree Youth Theatre, while the Evening Press yesterday revealed in later editions that the York Story, in Castlegate, which has been open since 1975, would close if the proposals were accepted.

The leisure services review, currently ongoing and expected to threaten the Barbican and Yearsley swimming pools, museums, libraries and youth clubs, will not be discussed at Thursday's meeting.

But a suggestion will be made that Barbican managers Total Leisure Management will be given no restriction on the maximum charges made to users.

With extra cash, the council wants to increase funding for the Impressions Gallery by £10,000 and increase maintenance of Rowntree Park.

It also wants to extend its mobile library service to full-time operation.

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