Sir, Further to recent articles regarding Kendal Museum, it’s ironic that the Disabilities Discrimination Act, aiming at access for all, could result in access for no one in relation to the possible closure of the museum.

With the Government’s laudable decision to abolish museum entrance fees, was not provision for upkeep, maintenance and modernisation put in place or has some well-intentioned legislation been badly implemented?

The country can ill afford to lose a collection of the calibre of Kendal museum’s (albeit the majority of cases of taxidermy are not on permanent display). It is of significant scientific, educational and historical importance and gives an insight into our social history.

The Potter collection has recently been sold and dispersed with many of the major tableau going abroad. Will the history and preservation of a unique part of our heritage be left to a small number of private collectors/individuals?

On a recent visit to the museum, I noticed some deterioration to some displays and can only wonder at the state of preservation of the main collection of original cases, which are not on public view.

I recall writing a similar letter some 20 years ago when some cases were destroyed to create the present dioramas, the remaining cases put in storage. Are those cases ever to be on display again? Are they in a good state of preservation? Will they end up in permanent storage? Will I be writing another letter in 20 years’ time?

Jeffrey Dent Harehills, Leeds n Sir, As my great, great grandfather (John Ruthven) was one of the founders of the Kendal Museum, which gives immense pleasure to so many of us, not least our children on educational visits, I was distressed to hear that once again the SLDC is considering closing it.

I would have thought that the disastrous policy of closing public toilets would have taught all our councillors a salutary, never to be repeated, lesson. The effect of such decisions on tourists and visitors to Kendal must be considerable.

I hope the people of Kendal and district will rise up to prevent any question of closure before it is too late. I am sure that Kendal Town Council, which I think owns the property, will support the people in a swift rescue operation.

Nancy M. Walker Arnside