By Don Mort, local democracy reporter, & John Baron
A senior councillor has apologised to Abbey House Museum staff who found out about potential job losses via social media.
Cash-strapped Leeds City Council has launched a public consultation into proposals to close the museum in a bid to save £160,000 a year.
At yesterday’s full council meeting at Leeds Civic Hall, Councillor Dan Cohen (Cons, Alwoodley) asked why museum staff found out about the potential closure and job losses on Facebook and not from an official announcement.
Salma Arif, executive member for culture, said she was disappointed some staff found out that way.
Coun Arif (Lab, Gipton and Harehills) said: “I am extremely sorry to those staff members who only found out belatedly about the potential closure. Staff should not have been put in this position.
“This proposal has not been taken lightly. Can I also stress that no final decision has been made.”
Job losses, a council tax rise and building closures are also being considered by the council is it seeks to set a balanced budget.