Chester Memories: Chester heritage centre may become just history

By Chester Chronicle on Sep 11, 09 01:26 PM in 2000 onwards

A HISTORY and heritage centre looks likely to close as part of cutbacks at the new Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The council says no final decisions have been taken regarding the St Michael's in Bridge Street but service-users understand the writing is on the wall.

The centre, which offers a variety of family and local history sources, is visited by more than 100 people a day. But the three-strong team of staff is already losing one worker, who is taking voluntary redundancy.

Linda Shuttleworth, secretary of Lache and Westminster Local History Group, said: "Chester History and Heritage in St Michael's has represented the city and the council in a very personal, friendly and effective way.

"Members of staff have supported individuals and groups in researching and exploring local and family history."

St Michael's holds regular exhibitions, which also visit surrounding villages, generating 'considerable interest' and adding to the repository of local knowledge. CHH also supports local history groups.

Linda said it would be "a serious mistake" to close the "well used and valued service".
Council spokesman Mike McGivern said: "The council is committed to continuing to provide a community heritage service. This will be an integrated service across museums, libraries and archives including working with community groups on exhibitions and local history.

"We are looking at the possibility of providing a range of the services, currently at St Michael's History and Heritage Centre at other council locations instead.

"No decisions have been made as to the future use of the building and we will be consulting service users and stakeholders on how we take community heritage service forward."

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