By KLTV Newsdesk – 

Campaigners urge residents to back petition opposing Kirklees Council’s closure plans

Campaigners fighting to save one of Huddersfield’s best-loved museums are renewing their appeal for public support, as concerns continue over Kirklees Council’s plans to close Tolson Museum despite growing local opposition.

Local campaigners Robert McGuin and former Almondbury Ward councillor Bernard McGuin say the council has no confirmed plans for the future of the Ravensknowle Hall building if the museum closes.

They argue that, after more than a decade of uncertainty, the historic site risks being left unused and falling into disrepair.

More than 2,356 people have already signed a petition calling for the museum to remain open, with supporters continuing to encourage residents to share the campaign with family and friends.

A Museum with Deep Historical Roots

Tolson Museum has been a feature of Huddersfield’s heritage for generations.

Located in Ravensknowle Hall, the museum was made possible through the generosity of Leigh Tolson, who gifted the hall to the people of Huddersfield more than 100 years ago in memory of his two nephews, brothers Robert Tolson and James Tolson, who were killed during the First World War.

The museum is home to collections celebrating the region’s industrial heritage, including Huddersfield’s textile manufacturing and road vehicle industries.

It also houses the renowned natural history collection assembled by Seth Lister Mosley, regarded by campaigners as an irreplaceable part of the museum’s identity.

Campaigners say they remain concerned that, while Kirklees Council has proposed relocating museum provision to the former Huddersfield Library building, no clear future has been set out for Ravensknowle Hall itself.

By-Election Brings Fresh Focus

The campaign has taken on added significance following the resignation of an Almondbury Ward councillor two months after taking office, triggering a by-election on Thursday 13 August.

In an update on the petition website, Robert McGuin announced he will stand as a candidate, describing the election as an opportunity for residents to elect someone who will continue the fight to keep Tolson Museum open.

He said he has campaigned alongside his father, Bernard McGuin, for many years against the proposed closure and believes the ward needs a representative who will champion the issue both locally and at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Petition Continues to Grow

Campaigners are urging more residents to sign and share the online petition, saying every signature strengthens the case for preserving the museum for future generations.

Many of those who have signed the petition have shared personal reflections on what Tolson Museum has meant to them over the years.

Local resident Andy, said: “I can’t begin to estimate the influence that Tolson House Museum had on me as a child. My love of history began here and is still with me now, aged 60.

“The value of access to free learning and amazing facilities such as this museum is incalculable, and closing it would be an act of cultural vandalism.

“Thank you, Tolson House Museum, for everything you did for me.”

Another local resident, Sue, added: “This wonderful museum and park was enjoyed by my parents, myself, my children, my grandchildren & now my great-grandchildren.

“It was given to the people of Huddersfield as a gift, so we must preserve it so that future generations can enjoy all it has to offer.”

As the by-election approaches and the petition continues to attract support, campaigners hope the future of Tolson Museum will remain firmly on the local political agenda.