Heritage centre announces closure

The centre moved to its current location in St John's Street from Crown Yard in 2019

A heritage centre in Derbyshire has announced it will close due to "difficulties caused by the current economic climate".

A sign has gone up in the window of Wirksworth Heritage Centre, which included a museum, community space, cafe and shop, to share the news.

The building in St John Street was renovated in 2019 following a £1.34m grant from the National Lottery.

Peter Slack, Derbyshire Dales District councillor for Wirksworth, said the news came as a "complete shock" and he will make inquiries as to how he can help.

Slack said: "I'm staggered to think it's closed"

He said: "We will do everything possible to open it again.

"I will be talking to the civic society and other people in Wirksworth to see what can be done.

"I would like to see it open again - I think the general public will want it open again so we will see what develops.

"I had never heard of any problems with the heritage centre. It was completely out of the blue."

"I think it will be a shock and disappointment to most people."

The centre held events like book clubs, heritage walks and poetry nights

The sign on the window of the centre reads: "With great sadness, the directors of Wirksworth Heritage Centre have regrettably taken the decision to close, due to difficulties caused by the current economic climate.

"We are speaking to our funders, professional advisors and stakeholders.

"We will update as soon as we are in a position to do so.

"In the meantime, we would welcome the advice or assistance of any organisation who may be in a position to help."