By Dave Woodhall
Aston Hall
Birmingham city council are to introduce admission charges to their community museums. From April 1st it will cost adults £4 (£3 concessions) to visit Aston Hall, Blakesley Hall, Soho House and Weoley Castle and £3 (£2) for Sarehole Mill.
Sarehole Mill
These charges will be brought in as part of the £212 million savings which have been forced on the council by government cuts. After consultation with the Heritage Lottery Fund it was agreed that there was no acceptable alternative which would not include the closure of some museums.
Admission will continue to be free for under-16s and to access the grounds and gardens attached to the museums. There will also be a number of free entry days at every site throughout the year.