HOW pleasing to read (Shuttle, Times and News, January 27) that Bewdley Museum's future is to be guaranteed for the next three years if the Conservatives, who control Wyre Forest District Council, get their budget approved next month.

But what a cost!

The budget pledges £362,460 to the Load Street attraction from 2005 until 2008, which works out at £120,820 each year.

As the museum is closed annually from the end of October until the following Easter, that is an average cost of around £4,300 for each week it is open.

When open, the museum does not charge admission, but surely, with continual clay pipe-making demonstrations from 10am until 4.30pm, and rope-making, three times a day among the attractions, a modest charge for entry could be made to help towards the running costs, without fear of frightening away visitors.

DAVID GUEST

Hurcott Road

Kidderminster