Residents and pupils of a local school have gathered in protest of proposals to close the Windsor Museum and tourist information centre.

Windsor resident Sarah Walker, 52, said: "It's a disgrace that this council are even considering closure of these wonderful assets.

"The people working here, the wonderful volunteers and hugely knowledgeable staff, were warned of their job losses just before Christmas."

Sarah and other residents claim the cut was hidden as an "efficiency saving" deep in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead budget. 

Maria Harrington, 71, added: "As a resident of the Royal Borough for 40 years I feel very strongly about this proposal.

"This town is steeped in history. It is important that this is shared and carried on.

"Not everyone can afford to visit the castle. It is important to carry this on for the youngsters."

Rhian Thornton, headteacher of Upton House School said: "Visiting the museum has been part of the curriculum for many years.

She added that visiting the museum is more powerful for learning than PowerPoints.

"Education is not just about learning in the classroom."

Annabelle, age 10, came to the protest saying: "It would be sad if the museum closed. We use this as a trip and the Queen opened it so we can remember her with the museum."

Councillor Alison Carpenter said she was shocked to hear about the proposals from a resident, following a meeting she alleges she wasn't invited to.

"I feel I should have been aware of what was happening.

"I feel our heritage and our history is really important."

However, John Davey, said: "They need to make the tourist information centre and museum fit for 2024."

The council has said its "weak and serious" financial position has meant that striving to achieve financial stability is its "top priority". This means the council is currently looking to reduce costs and increase income.

Last February the council cut the museum's budget by a third as part of budget savings for 2023/24. 

Councillor Joshua Reynolds, Cabinet member for communities and leisure, said: “Officers have advised that the way the museum and visitor information centre operate is no longer viable with the ongoing budget constraints.

“Through discussions, we’re exploring how we could retain a museum service that can share more of our collection with the public, such as through touring exhibitions and outreach. 

"We remain committed to exploring all options and opportunities with our partners for providing a museum service.

“No decisions have yet been made and we’re open to ideas. Importantly, we’d love to hear from anyone with genuinely viable suggestions and opportunities for generating income and doing things differently.

"Whatever the final decision, the upstairs rooms of the Guildhall will remain in use as a venue for weddings and other celebrations."

A petition has been launched to save the museum. This can be found here.