The union representing thousands of curators, conservators and museum specialists has said that plans to close a museum in the North were “baffling” and called on the Government to drops its plans to further cut funding.

Prospect, the union representing 5,000 curators, conservators and museum specialists across the UK was speaking after the news that the National Media Museum could close.

Prospect National Secretary Alan Leighton said: “Unfortunately, this is not an isolated issue.

“After cuts of 15 per cent in 2011, and further cuts to cash baselines for 2013 onwards, all national museums, galleries and other bodies sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are now being asked to consider how to cope with further cuts of five per cent, ten per cent or 15 per cent.

“These organisations have already implemented substantial cuts to their activities, including significant job losses and pay freezes. Further cuts of the magnitude suggested are bound to make organisations consider introducing charges and closing museum branches or floors – which the public will see as unacceptable.

“The financial logic for such cuts is baffling, given that every £1 spent on the arts generates £4 for the economy. We are talking about organisations that make a major contribution to the UK by enabling people to develop an interest in and an understanding of science, technology and the arts.

“The Government is abrogating its responsibility. It’s all very well telling museums that how they spend their money is their choice, when cuts have limited their options so dramatically.”

Mr Leighton called on the Government to drop its plans to further reduce funding in this area, including possible plans to close down the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. “Instead, it’s time to begin a programme of reversing the cuts and using the creative industries to kickstart the economy,” he added.