Lincoln MP: Usher Gallery plans “a disgrace”

Lincoln’s MP has slammed the “disgraceful” decision to persist with plans to change the Usher Gallery into an events venue.

As previously reported, Lincolnshire County Council reaffirmed its view that the Usher’s current role as an art gallery is no longer sustainable.

Karen Lee, the Labour Member of Parliament for the city, said: “I support the view that the decision should be delayed for up to a year to allow for alternative proposals.

“I have worked alongside both Lord Patrick Cormack, the SLUG campaign and Labour members on the County Council to oppose it.”

“It is a disgraceful decision which directly harms Lincoln. The Tory council members appear to know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

Lincoln MP Karen Lee

The County Council said on Wednesday that it would consider interest from Usher Gallery Trust and Historic Lincoln Trust to run the venue.

It also held a consultation asking people what they thought of the plans, where 827 people said that they were against the Usher Gallery plans.

During that time, a further 4,194 signed an online petition and protesters marched through the city to ‘save’ the gallery. 

Any changes to the building’s use would need to be approved by the owner, the City of Lincoln Council, which has previously said that it “should not be touched.”