Jack has launched a petition to save the much valued Windsor and Royal Borough Museum and Tourist Information Centre from threatened closure.

Housed within the historic Grade 1 Listed Guildhall, the museum and tourist centre face an uncertain future as the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) contemplates shocking budget cuts. The potential closure, shared with stakeholders this week, has ignited widespread concern among residents and local businesses.

Opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2011, the museum has been a focal point for local residents and tourists alike, attracting over 65,000 visitors annually. Accredited and family-friendly, it stands as a testament to the unique local history of the area. The museum features an extensive collection of over 13,000 objects that vividly reflect the history of the town over centuries and are enjoyed by local school children as well as national and international audiences. The Tourist Information Centre serves as a valuable resource offering visitor information and ticket sales in the support of many local attractions.

Jack Rankin, Conservative Parliamentary candidate, expressed deep concern over the proposed closure, stating: "This is a devastating prospect for the local Windsor community and for tourism in our town and surrounding areas. The staff and many volunteers offering their time are hugely knowledgeable, and redundancies are unthinkable. The museum alone contributes significantly to our local economy and civic society. Windsor should have its history and Royal heritage celebrated, not diminished."

He went on to say: "I am particularly disappointed in the opaque and hidden nature of these proposed cuts. There is supposedly an ongoing consultation on the admittedly challenging RBWM budget, but it shouldn't take concerned stakeholders to bring this to our attention and raise the alarm. The Council should be considering these valuable resources as an asset to our town, not a liability.”

Sign Jack's Change.org petition here.