A TOP official has denied union claims that museums will close for winter.

Last week Unison accused Kirklees Council of planning to shut attractions including Tolson Museum in Moldgreen for three months each year.

Steward Kath McHendry claimed council officers had told her of the cost-cutting plan – which would also affect the Red House Museum in Gomersal, Dewsbury Museum in Crow Nest Park, Bagshaw Museum in Batley and Birstall’s Oakwell Hall.

But last night Kirklees director of wellbeing Merran McRae denied the council planned to close the museums all winter.

She said: “The council values its cultural services highly and will seek to make any changes agreed at times when there is traditionally low public demand.

“We believe we can manage this change and still deliver a strong museum service and staff are currently being consulted on how this can be achieved.