Plans for glass site receive criticism

Date: 28 January 2003
Source: Expressandstar
A project to convert a Black Country glass cone into workshops for the industry has been criticised by a councillor. Charles Fraser-Macnamara told a full meeting of Dudley Council the units at the old Stuart Crystal Red House Glass Cone - now a museum - were not suitable for the glass industry.

They lacked electricity and gas supply, and were not large enough for hot glass studio work.

He claimed the glass industry had not been consulted over the project to develop the cone for subsidised workshops, and that before the rest of the Stuart site was developed, the council should talk to people from the industry.

Councillor Pat Martin said she was concerned no proper access for disabled people had been worked out before the Red House project had opened to the public.

The council's lead member for economic vitality, Councillor David Sparks, said that the development project had been driven by the Red House Cone Trust and the design had been its responsibility.

Councillor David Sheppard added that a working group had been set up to look at improving access to the site.

Lead member for culture and recreation Councillor Cyril Woodall said the cone was an asset to the borough, and he hoped to see the glass heritage of Stourbridge preserved in any scheme to develop the rest of the old Stuart works.

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