Old tinned food posing risk to city's archive

Assorted food tins form part of a 600-item collection which Culture Coventry Trust wants to get rid of

Tins of Tom Piper Christmas pudding and an old Aero bar are among items destined for the bin as part of a city's archive clear-out.

Culture Coventry Trust, which organises the city's arts collections, is also set to destroy tins of Heinz treacle sponge and National Household dried skimmed milk.

The food items are considered "a risk to health and safety and contamination of the collection", according to a report to be considered by the city council on Monday.

They make up just a small percentage of nearly 600 things on a list of items to be moved on, some of which will be offered to museums in other parts of the country.

Vintage camera equipment and old tools from Coventry shops are also set to go, together with a selection of ceramics, including commemorative plates.

The report, for Coventry City Council's cabinet member for housing and communities, explains some of the items were donated or gifted.

The majority are in Coventry Transport Museum, the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, and storerooms.

Proceeds from any sales would be held in reserves by Culture Coventry Trust and either reinvested in further acquisitions or used for improvements to existing collections.

Old broken bottles and ceramics are among items Culture Trust Coventry needs permission to dispose of

The report adds a planned large-scale move of collections to the City Centre Culture Gateway, which will be housed in a former Ikea building, has prompted a review.

The trust's board has already approved the disposal of the 588 items and small collections, but the council also needs to agree.

The trust confirmed it was legally entitled to dispose of the items and any agreements made with donors would be taken into account.

The report said priority would be given to retaining items within the public domain, with museums offered first refusal.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.