Leek's Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery is due to reopen this month after being closed due to Covid concerns - but there are doubts over the potential of a world class exhibit, and the tourist information centre is moving away from the building.

The news came in a discussion at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's most recent service delivery overview and scrutiny panel meeting, and was begun with a question submitted by Cllr Bill Cawley, who also organises history walks around the town.

He asked: "Other museums and heritage centres are open in close proximity to Leek and have been for some time in other towns and cities in Staffordshire as well as Cheshire and Derbyshire.

"Why does the Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery remain closed to the detriment of tourism in Leek as well as handicapping local history and family research?"

In response, council leader Cllr Sybil Ralphs said: "I regret that we had to close the Nicholson, as it meant people couldn't access the art gallery, museum and local history study. But we do have a responsibility of care and we couldn't have them exposed to Covid.

"The good news is we are reopening the Nicholson building in February. We have talked about the future of the building and we have an ambitious programme of events, and we will add to the services that exist already."

Cllr Cawley was unable to attend the meeting, but Cllr Mike Gledhill asked a question on his behalf regarding the possibility of a renowned exhibit about the textile designer William Morris being loaned to the Nicholson by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

He said: "Cllr Cawley was able to secure an offer from the world-renowned Victoria and Albert Museum. He was able to secure an offer for items to come on loan to the Nicholson.

"He was thinking of a possibility of an exhibition during the Platinum Jubilee, but sadly his emails have not been answered by the council so no progress has been made.

"If reorganisation of the Nicholson is meaning this isn't possible, surely any reorganisation could be postponed for this exhibition to go ahead?"

Cllr Ralphs replied: "You've cleverly introduced another question which doesn't relate to the original question, but Cllr Cawley has never contacted me about this.

"However, plans are afoot for a William Morris exhibition, but you've given me more detail about this tonight than I've received up to now, so I don't feel in a position to answer except to say Cllr Cawley has never contacted me about this and there are plans for the next 12 months."

Cllr Gledhill also asked about the future of the tourist information centre in Leek, which was previously moved to the Nicholson from Market Place.

He said: "The tourist office had a prime location in Market Place, but it has moved to a hidden location. Something has to happen. We need a proper service that reflects its importance."

Cllr Ralphs said that the office is now being moved again, this time to the council's offices at Moorlands House.

She said: "Every time someone walked into the Tourist Centre it cost the council £19. People now do a lot online and by telephone. The work of the centre had somewhat dissipated. We relocated to the Nicholson building and it is in an attractive part of the building. However we have now decided to relocate the centre to Moorlands house."

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