REDDITCH Local History Museum has announced a temporary closure following a devastating water leak.
The incident – at the flat above the premises – caused water to seep into the museum space, causing the roof to collapse into the museum.
The museum staff have been busy protecting the valuable historical exhibits and have closed the museum to ensure visitor safety.
While the full extent of the disruption is still being evaluated, staff have said that no irreplaceable items were harmed.
The museum, located in the heart of Redditch, is a cherished community resource dedicated to preserving the town’s rich heritage.
A spokesperson for the museum expressed gratitude for the public’s understanding and support.
They said: “We’re working hard to resolve the issue and reopen as soon as possible.
“Protecting our local history is our top priority.”
Updates on the reopening timeline will be shared via the museum’s social media channels.
In the meantime, the team encourages residents to explore their online archives and stay connected with Redditch’s vibrant past.
Redditch Local History Museum was founded in 2020, and aimed to show the achievements of the town and its residents.
It is run entirely by volunteers and relies on public donations, local business sponsorships and grants to fund its operation.
The museum primarily focuses its activities on those areas of local history not included in the scope of the National Needle Museum at Forge Mill.
The Galleries at the museum show a wide range of history topics from Led Zeppelin drummer John Bohnam to Royal Enfield motorcycles.
Products made in Redditch have gone all over the world – the famous Royal Enfield Motorcycle Company was based here while BSA produced thousands of their machine guns in the borough.
HDA – High Duty Alloys – made crankcases and pistons for Spitfires while Hymatic supplied the valves that allowed the Harrier jump jet to not only hover, but fly backwards.
In February of this year the museum had a a full revamp, with new exhibits and was officially opened by the Mayor at the time, Coun Juma Begum.
