THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Campaign Summary:
A community campaign to protect Leicester’s museums is gaining momentum after more than 3,666 people signed a petition opposing proposed restrictions to museum opening hours. The Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), Leicestershire, has now joined the campaign and called on city leaders to protect Leicester’s heritage.
“You cannot promote tourism while locking the doors to your own history.” – Sital Singh Gill
A long-established community organisation has joined a growing campaign opposing proposed reductions to museum opening hours in Leicester, warning that the city risks weakening its own heritage and tourism appeal.
The Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), Leicestershire, has formally joined the public campaign opposing plans that could significantly restrict access to historic sites in the city, including proposals affecting Newarke Houses Museum.
The organisation has also written to Sir Peter Soulsby, City Mayor of Leicester, as well as all Leicester City Councillors and Members of Parliament for Leicester East, Leicester South and Leicester West, urging them to support the campaign and help protect public access to the city’s museums.
The campaign has already attracted significant public support, with more than 3,666 residents and supporters signing a petition calling on Leicester City Council to reconsider the proposed changes and protect public access to Leicester’s museums.
Community leaders say the suggested reduction in opening hours — which could see Newarke Houses Museum open only on Saturdays between May and August — would limit opportunities for residents, schools and visitors to engage with Leicester’s history.
Sital Singh Gill, General Secretary of the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), said the organisation decided to join the campaign because protecting Leicester’s heritage is an important issue for the wider community.
“You cannot promote tourism while locking the doors to your own history,” he said.
“Leicester residents are paying more council tax every year, yet many public services are being reduced. Museums funded by taxpayers must remain accessible to the public.”
Leicester has long been promoted as the “City of Surprises,” known for its rich and diverse heritage — from Roman Leicester and medieval history to the discovery of King Richard III and the contributions of generations of communities who have helped shape the modern city.
Community representatives say museums play an important role not only in preserving that history but also in attracting visitors from across the UK and internationally.
Mr Gill said reducing opening hours could lead to long-term consequences.
“When access to museums is restricted, visitor numbers often fall. Once numbers decline, it becomes easier to justify further cuts or even permanent closures. That is why the community is concerned about these proposals.”
The Indian Workers Association also raised concerns about the wider impact on residents who are facing increasing council tax while seeing reductions in public services.
“Museums are not luxuries,” Mr Gill added. “They are part of the living history of our city. Leicester should be promoting its heritage and encouraging visitors to come here, not gradually restricting access to it.”
Campaign supporters argue that Leicester should instead focus on strengthening heritage tourism and promoting its historic attractions as part of the city’s identity and economic development.
The Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) is encouraging residents, visitors and supporters of Leicester’s heritage to sign the petition and support the campaign to keep the city’s museums open and accessible.
Residents can sign the petition here:
https://c.org/g5gN7BTbdr
The Indian Workers Association said it will work alongside residents, historians and community organisations to ensure Leicester’s museums and heritage sites remain protected and accessible for future generations.
Campaigners say they hope the strong public response to the petition — now supported by 3,666 signatures and growing — will encourage Leicester City Council to reconsider any proposals that could restrict public access to the city’s museums.
City councillors have been contacted for comment.
