BRADFORD Council has revealed plans to start reopening its museums and galleries with Bradford Industrial Museum the first to reopen.

The museum opened to visitors for the first time in around four months today after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Industrial Museum was awarded a Visit Britain 'We’re Good to Go' safety certificate for Covid-19 safe attractions.

The motorbike, which was newly discovered as once belonging to Captain Tom Moore, has been given pride of place in the foyer to allow extra space for people to view it.

A safe route has been laid out to allow people to see the fascinating machines and a sensory experience of the smell of the weaving gallery, the sound of the looms and beautiful colours of the woollen threads. The museum also features exhibitions of the work of Bradford education pioneer Margaret McMillan and aerial photographer CH Wood.

The shop and rest area has also reopened.

The other Bradford Council-run museums are planned to open in the following order: Cartwright Hall on August 18, Cliffe Castle on August 25 and Bolling Hall on September 9.

Each museum needs to go through a series of checks with measures put in place to make sure that people can visit safely before they re-open to the public.

To ensure the safety and comfort of visitors and staff there will be hand sanitiser stations throughout the museum, extra cleaning routines in place and a one way system to guide people safely.

Staff will monitor visitor numbers so areas don’t get overcrowded and the museum will be open between 10am and 2pm Tuesday to Sunday, allowing for extra cleaning.

People will be encouraged to maintain social distancing and, in line with government guidance, it is recommended that visitors wear face coverings if possible.

Unfortunately some areas may remain closed, where it is not possible for people to maintain social distancing. Museum staff will also be asking visitors to leave their contact details to help with Test and Trace.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder said: “The safety of our visitors and staff remains a priority and a lot of hard work has been going on to put the new measures in place, so that we can comply with the Government guidance.

“I’m delighted that we can start to reopen our popular local museums in a safe way and that families can enjoy their free taste of Bradford’s wonderful heritage again.”

For more information about Bradford Council-run Museums and Galleries visit the website here.